After a long dry spell most seeds will need special care to begin the germination, or growing process. Since the seeds have shut down, become dormant, certain things must tell them its ok to jump into action- to germinate

The stored seeds need to absorb moisture. Damp sand can be mixed with the seed and placed in the refrigerator for several months.

How is this done?

Twice as much damp sand as seeds should be used. The sand should be sterilized in the oven for an hour at 400º F before mixing together with water and seeds.

Some seeds need to be scratched to help it absorb moisture. Running sandpaper over the seeds will do this.

If seeds are planted without absorbing moisture, their germination time will be longer. Without absorbing moisture, most seeds will not germinate (grow) until the following spring.

Many of these steps occur naturally in the soil as moisture, bacteria, and varying temperatures breakdown the seedcoat as spring approaches-all part of the preparation for germination.