Seed Statuses Explained
Each seed record in TilthIQ has a status that reflects its current availability. Keeping statuses current helps you plan effectively and avoid surprises at planting time.
The Four Seed Statuses
Active
The seed packet has sufficient quantity and is within its viable period. Seeds with Active status are ready to plant. This is the default status for newly added seeds.
Low Stock
The seed packet is running low — typically fewer than 10 to 15 percent of the original quantity remaining, or only enough for one more small planting. Use Low Stock to flag packets you need to reorder before next season.
Tip: Set a seed to Low Stock as soon as you use the second-to-last portion of the packet. This gives you plenty of time to source replacements before the next planting window.
Empty
The seed packet is fully used up. Setting a seed to Empty keeps it in your inventory records for reference (you can see what you have grown in past seasons) without showing it as available for planning.
Expired
The seed packet's expiry date has passed, or you have manually flagged it as no longer viable. TilthIQ automatically applies this status to seeds where the Expiry Date field is in the past.
Important: Expired does not necessarily mean worthless. Many seeds remain viable well past their printed expiry date — germination rates decline but do not drop to zero instantly. For high-value or rare varieties, perform a germination test before discarding:
- Place 10 seeds between damp paper towels
- Keep warm (65 to 75 degrees F) for the typical germination period
- Count how many sprout — 7 or more out of 10 means the seeds are still good
If germination rate is acceptable, update the status back to Active or Low Stock.
Updating Status
Update any seed's status from the seed's Edit page. To update multiple seeds at once:
- Go to Seeds > Inventory
- Use the checkboxes to select multiple records
- Click Bulk Actions > Update Status and choose the new status
Keeping Expired Seeds in Your List
It is worth keeping expired seeds in your inventory rather than deleting them. They serve as a historical record of what varieties you have grown, and they are useful for germination testing before you place your next seed order.