Topic: Can I use Last Year's Leftover seeds?

[AndyC]

Firstly lovelt to be back on A4A after seceral months with no internet.  I've just been looking at last years leftover seeds and was wondering which I can use this year to save money on my order?  I have:

Basil
Brocolli
Cabbage - Savoy
Carrot
Chard
Courgette
Leek
Lettuce
Peas
Radish
Runner bean
Spinach
Swede

Will any of these still be okay or should I bin them?  They have been in my cool, dark garage in an airtight biscuit tin.

Good to be back! ;D
Andy

[Larkspur]

Hi they will all be fine ;) ;D

[manicscousers]

well, we're still using 3 year old greyhound cabbage seeds, I don't know if it's right but I only ever use parsnip seed fresh every year  :)

[AndyC]

Cheers Larkspur.  That's a few quid saved then! :D

[AndyC]

Manic scousers, I'd heard that about parsnips as well, but I never tried any last year as I was told they din't work on our site; this by a neighbour who then went on to grow some beauties!

[manicscousers]

that's a bit mean, as far as I know, anyone can grow them, anyone else?

[kitten]

Manic scousers, I'd heard that about parsnips as well, but I never tried any last year as I was told they din't work on our site; this by a neighbour who then went on to grow some beauties!

We've been told that 'organic gardening doesn't work' on our site, but we're still giving it a go, so I'd say give it a whirl! What've you got to lose, only the price of the packet of seeds, and you might just get a nice surprise! Best of luck Andy! x

[Curryandchips]

I only use fresh parsnip seed, as I believe the germination rate falls off progressivel after the first year. A couple of years ago, I had several half empty packets in my tins, so I bunged the lot in, hoping to get a few extra roots - had a bumper harvest that year, almost every ruddy seed grew !!! Parsnip chips, soup, wine, you name it :D

Sweetcorn seed are the same apparently - fresh is always best.

Good luck
Derek :)

[saddad]

You can try the pregermination between layers of kitchen towel before you splash out on new seed. With the exception of Parsnips, Salsify and Scorzonera you can use up packets for 3-7 years depending on the plant and storage conditions.
 8)

[cornykev]

Agree with parsnips, but any other seeds that are opened get binned, I suppose there worth a trail but don't rely on them  to avoid dissapointment :(. Runner,broad and dwarf beans I would use and have.   ;D ;D ;D ;D

[kt.]

Most seeds bought in packs have expiry dates. Maximum storage is when in sealed packets. Most will store as long as the packet are tightly closed , stored in a sealed jar in a darkened place. All vary. I was told parsnips seeds are best renewed each year.

[Spruance]

A former neighbour used to work for a local seed company. She always said that so long as the foil packet remained intact there was every chance that old seed would germinate.

For instance one batch of this year's wallflowers were packed in 1997, and yet they germinated equally as well as new seed bought last year. ;)

[supersprout]

You can try the pregermination between layers of kitchen towel before you splash out on new seed. With the exception of Parsnips, Salsify and Scorzonera you can use up packets for 3-7 years depending on the plant and storage conditions.
 8)

Apparently 'aged' melon seeds - 10 years old - were believed to yield more fruit than 'fresh' melon seed by the Victorians. Like saddad says, if you're in any doubt, sprout first :)

[supersprout]

two of many online lists of seeds and their viability :)
http://growingtaste.com/storage.shtml
http://matcmadison.edu/mchristoffel/plants/seeds/viability.htm (includes flowers)

[Tee Gee]

I agree with the others re-using the seed on your list.

I use the following rule of thumb;

If seeds are fresh I just use a pinch of seed if they are tiny, or with  bigger seed I count out the number I need and add 10-15%

2nd year seed I use two pinches of fine seed or with larger seed, the number I require, plus 30-50% to cater for the possiblity of poorer germination.

This generally works for me.

In terms of runner or broad beans I never buy these, I just save as much as I need and sow them fresh every year.

[wahaj]

and you can always try soaking your seeds before sowing. you know....if they sink they're fine, if they float, they're dead or not worth raising as plants as they'll be weak.