How do I do a simple germination test at home before sowing?

A home germination test is easy and very useful, especially for saved or older seed. Count out 100 seeds at random from your lot (do two or three sets of 100 for a better average). Place them evenly on a wet cloth or moist newspaper, roll or fold it, keep it moist (not dripping) and in a warm, shaded place. After the normal germination period for that crop (often around 5 to 8 days), count how many seeds have sprouted with a healthy shoot and root. That count out of 100 is your germination percentage. If it is high (say above 85), sow at the normal seed rate; if it is lower, raise the seed rate to make up for the seeds that will not come up, or buy fresh seed if it is very poor. Repeat with a fresh sample if the result looks odd. For the exact test days and acceptable germination for your specific crop, confirm with your KVK.