Ruthless Seed Decluttering!

[veggiechicken]

I'm trying to be brave and bin some of my vintage seeds
I have far too many and I'd need a garden the size of Wales to sow them all - so, the plan is, to chuck any seeds that are older than Real Seeds's estimated lifespan -

LIFESPAN OF PROPERLY-DRIED SEED:

Type of vegetable	Rough estimate of seed life
Beans	3 to 5 yrs +
Beetroot, chard & leaf beet	2 to 3 yrs
Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussels, turnips etc)	3 to 7 yrs
Carrots	up to 3 yrs
Courgettes & squashes	2 to 4 yrs
Cucumbers & melons	up to 10 yrs
Lettuces	2 to 5 yrs
Onions/leeks/spring onions	up to 3 yrs max
Parsley	up to 3 yrs
Parsnips	2 yrs max
Peas	3 to 5 yrs +
Peppers & aubergines	up to 5 yrs
Tomatoes	up to 8 yrs

FAQ: How long do vegetable seeds last? How to store them and how long they keep.

I'm trying not to be too precious about some of them - its no use "keeping them for best" as they won't grow in their packets.

PS, I wont actually "bin" the oldies, but have a random scattering, to give them a chance.

Anyone having a clearout?

[burnie]

Yep, locals will get my excess in our bartering scheme, not sure what I'll get back though.

[Penellype]

Some of my seeds are clearly getting past it, notably the cabbages, all except one of which failed to germinate, and the one that did has grown upside down. I'm sowing batches from old packets to use as microgreens - if nothing happens they get chucked out.

[bramble]

My spring onion seeds are two years old.
I have sown them twice already this year with zero results.
They will be going in the bin tomorrow.
Must have another sort out.

[Small pumpkin]

Well I'm shocked and stunned

I was about to start shouting at some poor newbe who was about to bin seeds. Only to discover it's......you!! The goddess of seed hoarding .
What is the world coming too???


That's it I need a drink

[veggiechicken]

That's it I need a drink

Pass the bottle, SP. I've just emptied 17 packets of beetroot seeds into a jam jar (about half a jar)
that leaves me with 4 packets (sow by 2017) that I'll sow next and 9 packets In Date.

[Guest]

Good Luck VC, I know you need it

Most of my seeds aren't too bad (old yes, vintage no) Have taken to organising some families by year they need using so that old ones get used first rather than picking varieties that take my fancy.

[veggiechicken]

I've tried organising by years too but it means that I'm always sowing seeds that are on their last legs rather than nice fresh ones. Trying to catch up somehow.

[Baldy]

^^^ can't you just reverse the order at which you sow - i.e. sow your best / freshest seeds first then give the rest a bit of a chance in some random place?

[Guest]

I've tried organising by years too but it means that I'm always sowing seeds that are on their last legs rather than nice fresh ones. Trying to catch up somehow.

After the beetroot example I think your only ' sensible' choice is to get drastic. If it is to painful get someone else in to do it.

[veggiechicken]

Baldy, rest assured, no seed leaves this building without the chance to fulfil its destiny - in other words, all the old seeds are scattered somewhere random (which is all the garden really).

NG, Don't worry, I'm feeling strong tonight. 7 packets of chard have been consigned to a bog of their own - 5 in dates, stay.

[Baldy]

I shall sleep happy in my bed tonight VC

[Penellype]

7 packets of chard have been consigned to a bog of their own

Most of my seeds look like having a bog of their own too. Wretched weather

[veggiechicken]

Well spotted Pene.
The excitement has got the better of my fingers.

[veggiechicken]

12 packets of Spinach to be thrown - 4 to stay.
Don't even like the stuff much but Gertrud does, and I bought it for her.