Bed & Balcony
Garden care / Bush bean planting seed

Observation and action checklist

Test an old bean packet before allocating it to a container

Take a random sample, count newly germinated seeds once and turn the result into a cautious use, retest or replace decision.

Compare what you can see

You can identify the lot and spare a representative sample

Use Iowa State's minimum of 20 randomly selected seeds; its guide prefers larger samples. Mix the dry lot gently before selecting rather than choosing only the largest seeds. Record the sample size and deduct it from the available stock.

The lot is unknown, too small for that sample or the test conditions were not maintained

Keep its germination as unknown. Choose a fresh identified lot, or repeat a valid sample if enough seed remains. A towel that dried out or a lost label makes this a poor basis for rejecting or endorsing the packet.

A completed valid sample has a usable result for your planting decision

Compare it with the packet's original germination figure if present and the room available in the pot. A low result can justify replacement; a favorable result still requires suitable sowing conditions and final plant spacing. Do not squeeze extra mature plants into the container to compensate.

Your next care visit

Check off what you have reviewed. Use the downloadable sheet to keep your observations.

  1. Count the initial sample, then spread the seeds separately on several layers of premoistened paper towel. Roll or fold the towel so seeds remain separated and place it in a plastic bag. Label the lot and start date. Iowa's test uses a warm place at 70–80°F; record the actual location and temperature rather than assuming a sunny window meets it.

  2. Check after two or three days, then daily. Keep the towel moist and record conditions. Count a seed when a root or cotyledon emerges through the coat, not merely when it swells. Following USU's counting method, remove counted germinated seeds from the test towel so each seed enters the cumulative total only once.

  3. Follow Iowa's observation period of about a week or more: once some seed has sprouted, finish when a week of observation indicates no more are about to emerge. Continued new germination means the result is still in progress. Write the final count and calculate germinated ÷ tested × 100: 16 ÷ 20 × 100 = 80%. Keep the original sample count as the denominator even after removing sprouts.

0 of 3 steps reviewed

Keep this in mind

Do not report an early partial count as the final percentage, count the same root twice or infer disease-free seed from successful sprouting. If none emerge, record zero observed with the actual duration and conditions; check the packet's expected interval and test setup before declaring all remaining seed dead.

What to record next

Record use, repeat or replace with the reason. For example, a valid result of 7 out of 20 is 35%, a weak lot for a small container; Iowa generally recommends replacing seed at 50% or lower. If retaining a more favorable lot, update its remaining count and use the warm-container sowing guide. Preserve final spacing and check actual emergence after planting.

  • Lot identity, packet age and storage history
  • Initial lot count, random sample size and stock remaining
  • Start date, towel setup and actual warm location
  • Daily new germination, cumulative count and conditions
  • Finish date, final count and percentage calculation
  • Use, repeat or replace decision and next sowing check

Open the no-trellis container plan →

References and scope

Use these extension references to compare symptoms and check crop care. Match planting advice to your variety and local growing conditions.

Reviewed October 25, 2026.

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