Allotments 4 All

Who else has been discouraged on the plot by the cold dank weather and who has opted instead to empty out their seed boxes and take stock?  I did this weekend and I found that I had quite a few more things than I thought. I am doing very well for peas and beans, lettuce, brassicas, all manner of greens, tomatoes and courgettes. i could do with more of carrots, radish, cucumber, leeks and pumpkins/winter squash.
As I will have less space next year I have also made a new plan for the plot, noting where everything needs to be moved to, and where I could grow what.

Does anyone have tips on seed that should really be refreshed annually?  Are there any that I should probably dump and buy in fresh?
Soon I will be on the seed sites ! Maybe I will try a few new sites since I need less, I could get different, more expensive varieties? It is quite exciting!

When the weather is like it is and you can't always do anything on the plot, I sometimes like wandering around the site looking for inspiration. Start thinking about stuff i'd like to grow. Making plans for the plot for where everything must go. Trouble is I've got way to many seed packets, I'm becoming a "seedaholic". Looking out for something that'll grow better, taste better etc!!!! I need a small farm to grow everythning

Depends how the seeds have been stored. Short-lived types are best kept in the freezer. The carrot family tend to be short lived, and squashes don't seem to last that long. It's still worth trying old seed before you throw it out though.

Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on November 18, 2013, 16:41:51
Depends how the seeds have been stored. Short-lived types are best kept in the freezer.

Can you keep them in the freezer? Doesn't that damage them?

If I am in doubt I try old (elderly) seeds in a seed sprouter and see if they germinate If they do I take them out to the plot.  Waste not want not.

You can keep seeds as long as you like in a freezer, with no harm at all. It's how seed banks do it.

I have also done a seed audit. Sadly i don't have any reason to buy more seeds apart from parsnips, broad beans and sweetcorn as have enough to supply the seed bank if needed! Of course thats never stopped me before!