[whippersnapper]

Apologies if this has been covered before (sure it has!) but I can't find a good thread. Quite happy for a link if you can find it.

I'm a bit uncertain about the seeds I have left over from last year. They are all from realseeds so not hybrids. Can they be used this year?

Carrott - the info in packet says not but realseeds website says they do last 
Parsnip - had a feeling these don't last?
Beetroot - these seem to be ok?
Leeks
Calabrese
Courgette

They've all be kept in cool dry place.

Thanks

 

[gillie]

I would sow all of those except the parsnips.

F1 hybrid seed would be OK too, except that there is usually so little in the packet that they all get used up.

Gillie

[DD.]

Useful link:

http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/general/seed-storage-life.php

[whippersnapper]

Thanks both!

I knew there'd be a good link somewhere 

[JayG]

The info on the link is good, although possibly a bit conservative in some cases if your storage conditions are good.

Parsnip seed viability has been discussed on this forum many times, and it seems to be generally agreed that since they are often reluctant germinators at the best of times it is not worth using last year's seed.

[savbo]

I put old parsnip seed on damp tissue and got about 10% germination - got enough for a row!

[whippersnapper]

Yep - I always struggle with germination anyway so I'll definately get some new parsnip seed.

Out of interest: am I late sorting seed? When do you prepare your stocks?

[randombod]

Yep - I always struggle with germination anyway so I'll definately get some new parsnip seed.

Out of interest: am I late sorting seed? When do you prepare your stocks?

any time now really keeps me mind active and gets everything sorted ready for when the season starts

[DD.]

Last year, in the sales.

[mumofstig]

Same as DD then ordered on line what I couldn't find in the sales, so all now present and correct.

Have recently sorted them into sowing order in their box, so hopefully everything will get done on time and nothing will get missed .... fingers crossed as well of course

[DD.]

I've even not bought parsnips this year, as a good friend gave me a lot of last year's packets

I reckon that if I put more than just a good pinch in at every station, one stands a chance of coming up! If they don't - I'll re-sow.

[mumofstig]

You're gonna risk it...against your own advice   

Good luck...no loss if they din't just be a mad dash to the garden centre for more seed, then a few weeks later they will all come up That's what usually happens to me 

[DD.]

I have principles.

Saving money principles!

There's 3 unopened packets and I'm willing to take a risk, knowing what may happen. To avoid disappointment I'd tell someone else to go for fresh seed!

[randombod]

I have principles.

Saving money principles!

There's 3 unopened packets and I'm willing to take a risk, knowing what may happen. To avoid disappointment I'd tell someone else to go for fresh seed!

ah a man after my own principles you a yorkshire man ?!?!?!?!?!

[DD.]

No Way!!