Germination Testing

I'm just starting in the seed-saving part of home gardening, so a lot of my seed is just extra, saved from last year. I'm using a simple germination-testing technique:

1. Moisten a few paper towels. 

2. Place several seeds spaced out between the paper towels. Place the towels in plastic zipper bags (they can be reused from carrying sandwiches- our bread machine bread is too tall for plastic sandwich boxes, so I use and reuse the bags). I place the bags on the windowsill in the kitchen so I remember to check them. 

3. Check every few days for germination. Here you see seeds I placed in bags on Saturday. The chard is germinating. I'll place these seeds in the soil under the lights downstairs on Saturday.