LolaLayla Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I have got some vegetable seeds from last year that are in opened packets that have been kept folded over in a kitchen cupboard. Does anyone know which seeds should be ok to attempt to grow this year and which would be a waste of time I seem to remember reading that some were ok and some not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forestchook Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Hi, I can't help much but I believe carrot seeds are best brought fresh each year. I've been okay with cucumber seeds open from the previous year (I think ) I think pumkin seeds weren't to bad either. It may depend on how they were stored though. Hope someone comes along soon who can help you more. N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I've heard the same about carrot and pumpkin seeds, but last year used an old pack for carrots and was okay. I did read something in Grow your own mag this month that a good way to test them is to soak some kitchen roll, squeeze out a bit and lay flat, spread some seeds one one half, fold the other half over and press down around the seeds. Put in a plastic bag and put in the airing cupboard and keep checking to see if they germinate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 parsnips need to be fresh. carrot usally is ok pumpkin/squash seeds I've used at least 3 years old same with tomatoes peas and beans have quite a long shelf life. brassicas depends on which they are but I usally buy every other year but that getting harder as the contents get less every year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I have got some vegetable seeds from last year that are in opened packets that have been kept folded over in a kitchen cupboard. Does anyone know which seeds should be ok to attempt to grow this year and which would be a waste of time I seem to remember reading that some were ok and some not. No definitive answer, but, logic says to me: folded over, kitchen cupboard dark? = maybe ok. Pragmatic answer says to me: what do you have to lose by trying??? (which I would do ) However, word of caution: my philosophy regarding gardening is twofold: it will either grow, or it won't. Most times, I take the risk but never mourn if it doesn't "work" - I just take notes Gardening, like life, is a life-long learning process. Some winters, things will survive; other winters, they do not. Some seasons completely throw caution to the wind and we end up on a wing and a prayer (like this winter!). Bottom line is: do not throw them away; give them a chance, and chance what they decide to do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Marple Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I have to agree with you Mum!!! That ends to be my growing philosophy - it will or it won't nothing really lost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolaLayla Posted February 18, 2012 Author Share Posted February 18, 2012 Thanks. Think it must have been the parsnips I read about needing to be fresh. I usually have a 'try it and see what happens' approach and also what works one year sometimes doesn't the next but that it part of the fun of gardening Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Next time you have opened packets pop them in a paper bag and put them in the salad crisper part of the fridge. I've kept seeds for years that way and they were OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Next time you have opened packets pop them in a paper bag and put them in the salad crisper part of the fridge.I've kept seeds for years that way and they were OK. Great tip, OSH!!! Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolaLayla Posted February 19, 2012 Author Share Posted February 19, 2012 Thanks for your tip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
