[T C]

Hi, im new to the Allotment forum, im normaly in the hen house, but ive been busy making a raised plot, ive got some old seeds, some could be as old as 6 years old, they have been kept in good dry conditions, ive planted beetroot, carrots, etc, but its been almost 3 weeks and nothing has shown, do you think the seeds may be off, or should i wait a little longer, or should i start anew with new seeds, we did have a unusal cold spell just after i put them in, i havent any book here to advise on germination times, TC

[mumofstig]

life of seed was discussed a little while ago have a look

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=31569.msg378431#msg378431

[Yorkie]

From Dr Hessayon's Veg expert:

Beetroot - start sowing from March under cloches or cover, or uncovered from mid-April.  Germination 10-14 days (may take a little longer).

Carrots - start sowing from March under cloches or cover, or uncovered from start April.  Germination approx 17 days.

I'd say you've probably started them off a little early and they may have been checked by the cold spell.  If you don't see anything in the next week, might be worth re-sowing.

If the seeds were previously unopened they will probably be ok, subject to anything specific in the thread linked to in MOS's post.

[peapod]

I agree with Yorkie, give it another week then sow more

Then Sods Law will dictate they all come through at the same time 

[T C]

wILL DO, ITS NOW REALLY HOT HERE DURING THE DAY, SO POSS BETTER CHANCE NOW, THANKS TC