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  • Sow or Throw?

    I have just been given a handful of part-used veg seed packets by a neighbour, which is lovely

    But...none of them have dates on and she can't remember when they were bought, apart from 'over the last few years'.

    Is it worth sewing a few of each to see if they're still viable? I know seed sellers put use by dates on, but I suspect they err on the side of their profit margin....

    Is there somewhere that gives the actual life expectancy of each type of veg seed, if stored properly, as a pose to the seedsmans version?


    I'm dithering over whether to sow them or throw them.

    What say you?

    Red
    Last edited by crazy_red; 31-12-2008, 03:03 AM.

  • #2
    i think theres only parsnips and possibly onions that need to have fresh seeds, the others will be fine for years, there was a thread on this a while back, but i can't be bothered searching lol sorry ....... but i think the general consensus was, sow them and see what happens.
    Last edited by lynda66; 31-12-2008, 03:03 AM.

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    • #3
      Hi Lynda,

      No sleep for the wicked eh?

      I wondered because I found a packet of marigolds, packet expiry date 2007, decided to trial them for viability and not a one popped up

      Do flower seed generally have a shorter shelf life, do you reckon?

      Red

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      • #4
        had only just seen the time lol ...might go to bed now

        not sure, i found some viola seeds in the shed, and sowed em last year, i hadn't bought them and they had probably been there years, and i got loads growing, guess it just depends on the plant
        Last edited by lynda66; 31-12-2008, 03:15 AM.

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        • #5
          i think a very common phrase on here is that they have two chances

          try them, you have nothing to lose, last year I sowed some marigolds (seeds from a well known DIY chain) and had a 100% failure rate, and they were packed for this year.
          Kernow rag nevra

          Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.
          Bob Dylan

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          • #6
            Hi Kernowyon,

            I was wondering if I got them too hot - I had them on the propagator.

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            • #7
              Some seed won't germinate if it's too hot, or if it's too cold.

              Some seed germinates quickly, some slowly. Some fresh seed won't be viable, some really old seed will be. The only way to tell is to sow some ... a pinch on warm damp kitchen towel is probably the quickest way to tell.

              As opposed to .... not at all
              All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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              • #8
                Well, I think I'll give it a go then. At least it will keep my itchy fingers busy.

                Hmmmm, plant the seed to see if you should plant the seed......that's making my brain hurt......

                I'm assuming if using warm, damp paper it needs to be on a propagator or where it will stay warm?


                Red

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by crazy_red View Post
                  I'm assuming if using warm, damp paper it needs to be ...where it will stay warm?
                  er, yes.
                  Have a look at the link to minimum germination temps: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...res_15025.html
                  Last edited by Two_Sheds; 31-12-2008, 05:34 AM.
                  All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                  • #10
                    Sorry T_S, I'm not with it today

                    That's going to be really useful, thanks.

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                    • #11
                      Top Veg Blog Archive Germination Time for Seeds

                      Germination tables from Heirloom Seeds - Know when to plant all your vegetables.


                      these are 2 charts I've found useful for veg.

                      No idea about flowers though!

                      I'd sow rather than throw cos at least you'll know they're not weeds!!!!( yup- I've weeded out veg seedlings and kept one variety of weed before now)

                      - then you can group all the similar leaved seedlings together when transplanting.
                      Last edited by Nicos; 31-12-2008, 10:34 AM.
                      "Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple

                      Location....Normandy France

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                      • #12
                        Any seedlings that come up you can eat too - so long as the plant is one that has edible leaves (eg onion yes, tomato NO!!! - or you'll poison yourself!!)

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Nicos View Post
                          ... yup- I've weeded out veg seedlings and kept one variety of weed before now
                          Yup, been there, done that but haven't got the T shirt. Hmmm, now that's a marketing oportunity for someone
                          A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot! (Thomas Edward Brown)

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                          • #14
                            Talking about T-shirts...I saw a guy in the pub the other day with a MASSIVE beer belly wearing a T-shirt which said " I'm a recovered anorexic"

                            ....loved it!

                            ( sorry to pinch the thread for a sec!)
                            "Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple

                            Location....Normandy France

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                            • #15
                              Lol, pinch away...

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