Have you been looking over seed catalogs deciding what to grow this year? Before you spend money on new seed do an inventory of what seeds you have from the years before. Some seeds store better than others. High Mowing Seeds has a helpful chart listing the longevity of different seeds. For example, turnip seeds are good for 5 years but corn seed may only last for 2. Here is a link to High Mowing Seeds chart.
Vermicompost has been shown to increase the viability of seeds. In a research study done by Michelle Wills and Gary R. Bachman, Tennessee Technological University, they found that vermicompost added to a coir based potting mix had a positive effect on seed germination of Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower). More information on this study can be found here.
In another study, Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato and Lettuce as Affected by Vermicompost Water Extracts (Teas), seeds soaked in vermicompost tea had quicker germination and accelerated seedling development. More details on this study can be found here.
Soaking seeds has been tricky for me because I get distracted, forget about the soaking seeds and then they oversoak. I do add 10% vermicompost to potting soil and seed starting mix. It just makes sense when you know the seeds will germinate quicker, more will germinate and the vermicompost has the ability to prevent damping off disease. Why not buy some Devine Gardens vermicompost today for all of your upcoming seed plantings?