My 2 cents...
If they are black black give them a squeeze. If they are hard, give it a try. If mushy, time to start new ones.
An overnite soak is a great indicator of seed viability. If it does not sink, it is most likely dead.
I always use paper towel and then place my sprouts in go cups. I put damp paper towel on a plate and place in a large ziplock bag. This time of year I have to sit them on a heat mat (dry out fast be careful), they just wont sprout without it. Not even the top of the fridge. My house is just too cold I think.
Planting straight in dirt, They seem to pop slower, I find seeds go too shallow in the cup and watering can displace them. They can move to the side or surface, but if they have a bit of a tap root they will stay in place.
In past summers, if I start 6 seeds in solo cups. 4 may pop. Dig thru other 2 cups and usually cant even find the other seeds. Can be frustrating.
Vegetable seeds go straight in dirt. Most pot seeds are too dear to me to take the chance.
![IMG_0324.JPG](/data/attachments/3574/3574314-a4aa9a419870a8eff1bcfd83fa4d1720.jpg)
stays in place.
![IMG_0325.JPG](/data/attachments/3574/3574316-4a8c36841726d8e59b8b38919d39862e.jpg)
one of the towels dried out too much on heatmat and slowed these three C99s, but constant 100% germination. 2 days usaully does it.
![IMG_0323.JPG](/data/attachments/3574/3574320-1522990a81361f4dfd531eda67c9dab7.jpg)
Aug. Timewarp 6/6, C99 Timewarp 6/6, C99s plus 3 above 6/6. Spring is a comin.
cuttings at back are pretty fresh and look a bit sickly. They do that. Not to worry.
P.S. what do giving and receiving likes, do for us?