Seed Sort Out

[MarkHackwell]

I was just thinking while I was sorting through all my seeds, whether other people do the same during the winter? and also do you ever throw away any seed which are out dated? Got way over 50 seeds out dated this year

[Alison]

There's been a few threads on this before (good luck with finding them though, I find the search function a little challenging ). Most of us do a sort before ordering anything new but the sell by dates are only a guide. It depends on how they are kept and what type they are as to how long they last. Many people throw parsnips away after a year, I find they are good for two. Brassicas last for seemingly ever and I've got viable tomato seeds 10+ years past their sell by date. I say give them a go but if unsure do a germination test early on damp kitchen roll, you'll see if they sprout and have time to order if they don't. Save money too .

[Penellype]

I find old seeds very variable. In general if the packet has been opened they will keep less long than if it hasn't, but even within those bounds it can be very hit and miss. I treat anything more than 2 years old as potentially past it, but I'll try them and buy another packet if they fail.

[Guest]

I used to keep my seeds ordered in a box with dividing cards. However I could always guarantee that some pesky packets would slide to the bottom and hide, so I would reorder resulting in duplicates

However, my seeds are lovely and sorted thanks to grapes sharing their tips and ideas.

As far as dates are concerned I do not fuss (I think realseeds give an indication on their site for viability/ lifespan for seed types).
I do tend to sow a larger no. of seeds the older they get.
I am now putting duplicates etc. to one side for swapsies.
Also old seeds in large quantities are good for pea sprouts and microgreens.

[Trix]

I've just done my first ever 'seed sort out' after my first year growing and I was surprised at how many I'd accumulated. Ordered some more anyway - I'm getting excited about year 2 now!

[Nicos]

I sow out if date seeds too.

If I have waaay too many of one particular variety I hive them to other people to try their luck!

[marchogaeth]

I have got much better at just having around seeds I will use even if they are not the newest/latest etc. Also, I'm increasing the amount of own seed I save which makes me less unhappy about deciding that something is old and can be composted as I'll easily get more.

However, I am boring enough to try and find the germination temperatures/conditions for seeds so that if I am using out of date ones they get the best possible chance - Simply Seeds is a good place to start. I tend to start dodgy stuff in trays/modules so you can see what's happening.

Also I store airtight and as cool as possible.

[Nannysally99]

Might sought my seeds out tomorrow, but this afternoon I am back volunteering at Age UK. Feels strange, I have been off a fortnight.
Soon be laughing though

[Kristen]

If I have a packet of seed that is way out of date I sow a few on a piece of damp kitchen paper and seal them in a Tupperware box, or something with cling-film over so they don't dry out. If they don't germinate I don't waste time sowing the rest of the packet

I find the search function a little challenging

Expect you know this? but you can force Google to search a specific / this site by prefixing the search keywords with:

site:growfruitandveg.co.uk Keyword1 Keyword2 ...

I don't know if it works if you include the "WWW.", I always leave it off.

Depends on Google having indexed the page that you want (so might not be for a few days, and maybe some multi-page threads don't get properly indexed?), and its not much cop for searching for things posted by a specific person, or within a specific date range / Forum etc.

[Chippy Minton]

I had my seed sort out last night, as I do every year, had quite a few so don't need to order many. This year will follow the same pattern, I make a list of what I'm growing in which bed, carefully sort through and check off what I already have, then make a list of what I need, then sort through the catalogues carefully selecting varieties. I then pour myself a large glass of wine, go on the seed ordering website, carefully search through whilst drinking said wine, pour another glass, start selecting, another glass of wine and then start oohing and aahing at other varieties I find and clickety click the seed box is full

As for the out of date ones, I sow them anyway and if they don't come up I grumble and then use it as an excuse to order loads more Got to get your money's worth from the P&P

[Kristen]

I've been reading Joy Larkcom's book on Oriental Veg. Millions of things there that I have never tried ... so rather than sort out existing seeds I've decided just to order loads of those instead

[Alison]

I keep hanging my nose over that book but not bought it yet as I know it'll also lead to loads of additional planting options too which I haven't really got the time for

[Guest]

I've been reading Joy Larkcom's book on Oriental Veg. Millions of things there that I have never tried ... so rather than sort out existing seeds I've decided just to order loads of those instead

Check out nickys nursery - I found they had one of the larger ranges after reading that book

Asian Vegetables and Oriental Vegetable seeds

[veggiechicken]

^^^^ Why did you post that NG? Now I have to look at the seeds and hide my credit card

[Kristen]

which I haven't really got the time for

<PantomimeSeason>

Oh yes you do !!!

</PantomimeSeason>

I have Joy Larkcom's book on regular Veg, which I find helpful. This is different, in style, taking a lot more about the This and That of each veg - which I am finding very helpful as many are completely unknown to me, and I need help with knowing what names they are likely to have (lots of Common names in circulation, and "Chinese Cabbage" covers a huge multitude of sins, as you can imagine ). Well worthwhile for a read / for the knowledge, even if you don't buy & sow all/many/any ... ANY??!!