By all means a germination test on seeds like Beans, peas and corn but if you are just going to pull sprouts and pot-up why not just plant them--- and keep records on germination. I often have tomato, pepper and eggplant seeds that are 6-12 years old that I have already planted (2 wks ahead of normal)keeping track of variety, source, year (written on seed pack)and # planted. Based on germination rate one can replant at higher density, etc. Keep in mind that older seeds often tend to take a little longer to germinate and some seedlings may have deformities. Those are things that you want to document for future use. For some seeds like lettuces I really am not overly concerned about one or 2 older varietie's germination rate so I just combine 6-8 remnents, mix the seeds, and sprinkle the mixture on a tray of media, noting approx. seeding density. When seeds do germinate you 'll have a cutting salad mix and based on your record of varieties combined you can usually determine what a future planting of the mix will produce in the garden.

Annette, Thank you for the information, it does appear that Tanya's Pink Pod is going to be available in the SSE Yearbook, and while looking at the online Yearbook for Red Peanut, I found Red Swan which is described as Red/Pink, three good possibilities. I am wondering if anyone has grown any of the above pinkish snap beans for a recommendation? I forgot I have Blue Coco pole bean seeds, so I could grow them for her purple, they are a good bean as well. " I think it's great she's showing an interest in growing things at her age." Yes, I am definitely going to encourage her interest in growing things. thanks again, Dean This post was edited by deanriowa on Sat, Dec 8, 12 at 16:56

Do you have any ideas as to what she enjoys? Does she play with a lot of dolls, if so maybe some doll clothes or other accessories. Maybe some fun educational games--either a computer game or just a board game. Stuffed animal Dress up clothes Movie tickets--if she hasn't seen something like Monster's Inc.--?? Favorite video and some favorite snacks

It is not a valid comparison to equate what farmers do with inground soil conditions and gardening in containers. Container potting soil will continue to breakdown and compact, impeding good drainage and eliminating aeration and porosity. That doesn't happen when gardening in the ground. It has nothing at all to do with nutrient content as potting soil offers little to none - it ALL must be supplied by the grower. And while the grower can provide nutrients as needed, the only way the grower can ensure fast drainage and proper aeration is by replacing the soil annually.