Seeds from last year.

Melonade

Hi everyone,

Last year was the first time I tried to grow some fruit/veg. We really enjoyed it and even with varying results we still got plenty to eat and even enough to give some tomatoes and spuds to family members :T

I'm very late with the garden jobs this year as other things have been taking up my time. Today I managed to find my seeds from last year and wondered if theres anything there I can plant this year?

Seeds I've got from last year...

Beetroot, salad leaves and tomatoes from last years dig in campaign.
Various herbs
Leeks that have been opened
Carrots (I think I've read it best to buy new each year so I will replace these)

I've bought peas today and hope to have better luck than last year I'm also hoping I'm not too late to get the garden fixed in time

mrbadexample

I think the carrots might be ok for this year, but if you've got parsnip seed that's only good for one season, so everyone on here tells me.

enrich100

heres a link that gives you the length of time that seeds are viable

http://www.hillgardens.com/seed_longevity.htm

the seeds you have should be fine if you have any concerns you can try to germinate some of eeach seed on a wet paper towel just to test if they will germinate

Melonade

Thanks for the link, it's perfect :T

I'm suprised that so many seeds last quite a few years. It's a lot longer than I expected. Hopefully this means I'll be saving a few more pennies since I don't have to replace anything. Now to climb through the shed to find my propagator!! I'm really looking forward to having a bedroom window ledge full of seedlings again

kazwookie

Just plant them and see what comes up.........

Sally_A

I'm still getting lucky with 2002 sprout seeds. D G Hessayons Veg growing guide gives excellent advice re seed viability. Even if they are older than the recommendation in there, you might just get a drop in germination success. And as for the saved runner beans seeds I keep finding, they could be up to 10 years old, but they seem to come through OK.

I managed to grow 1993 long forgotten Parsley seeds last year.

valk_scot

As long as they're kept somewhere cool, dry and preferably dark they should be fine for up to three years (not parsnips though.) It helps if you fold over the top of the inner foil packet a couple of times, to seal it. I keep mine in a big Tupperware box in a cupboard in the utility room. I only dump seeds when they go past their sow by date and even then, I might use them as cut and come again leaves etc.

Melonade

Sally_A wrote: »

I'm still getting lucky with 2002 sprout seeds. D G Hessayons Veg growing guide gives excellent advice re seed viability. Even if they are older than the recommendation in there, you might just get a drop in germination success. And as for the saved runner beans seeds I keep finding, they could be up to 10 years old, but they seem to come through OK.

I managed to grow 1993 long forgotten Parsley seeds last year.

Sally thats amazing. I'm not going to worry about it now and I'll just plant what I've got and expect results

Thankyou to everyone for the help :T

annie123

mrbadexample wrote: »

I think the carrots might be ok for this year, but if you've got parsnip seed that's only good for one season, so everyone on here tells me.

You're learning:D