Grow Your Own Magazine

if I buy some seeds this year can I plant half and save the rest for next year? Do I need to save them in some special way?

There's lots of info out there....

Some seeds last if stored well, others stored in the same way don't.

Seed Storage and Longevity (Lifespan) - How Long Will Seeds Keep, Germination Test

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Manda.

"Wouldn't it be nice
For maybe an hour
To not have a care."

Most seeds can be saved for at least a couple of years. Keep them in the original packet, store cool and dry. For more specific information on the viability of stored seed check out the Dr Hessayon books (my special favourite is the Vegetable Expert - gives the life expectancy of stored seed, expected germination times, and expected yield per plant)

I once heard of a bunch of scientists managed to germinate a 100,000 year old protea seed. If given the right conditions seeds may last quite a while.

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Look not from the mind, but from the soul. For the life that is coming is already before us, waiting to open up the world. Just look more closely. Find the eyes to see. - Celestine Prophecy 1st insight

Visit my blog: http://wheatleyswheels.blogspot.com

There are a few types of seed where the germination deteriorates rapidly - particularly parsnip and sometimes sweetcorn, so you're best to buy fresh each year, or at least every 2 years and oversow when you have saved some.

I've found most brassicas have good germination even when stored for some time, tomatoes seem to come up like weeds!

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There's vegetable growing in the family, but I must be adopted
Happy Gardening!

Just checked your details Protea - can't find your DOB but I'm sure you're not THAT old

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A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot! (Thomas Edward Brown)

Here's a really useful poem to print out and stick up in your shed.

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Dwell simply ~ love richly

<snort> !! ROFL certainly not! the cheek of it

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There's vegetable growing in the family, but I must be adopted
Happy Gardening!