[Mazzie]

Ive been given some seeds by a client, off the top of my head they are rocket, salad mix, toms, and aubergines but they are all sow by 2002/2004 ish.

Do i give them a try or just chuck?

[Junie]

I hate chucking things away .  I would give them a try now, in heat, then you still have time to get some in  if nothing happens.

[mumofstig]

try some of each on damp tissue in a tupperware type box placed somewhere warm.
You'll be able to see how many start sprouting.
This will give you some idea of the germination rate, and show you if they are worth sowing or not

[Paul Plots]

Certainly worth a try but they are getting on a bit.

Experiment but don't leave it until the last minute as if they don't make it you have time to start again with fresh seed.

I often use out-of-date seed but usually only as old as sow-by 08 to 09.

Good luck.

[viettaclark]

No harm in trying.....tomato seed is particularly hardy.
Nothing to lose, really!

[DD.]

try some of each on damp tissue in a tupperware type box placed somewhere warm.
You'll be able to see how many start sprouting.
This will give you some idea of the germination rate, and show you if they are worth sowing or not

Do as mum says, "sow" them thinly on the tissue. If they start to sprout, you can plant those seeds, tissue and all, none wasted, but check them frequently and sow as soon as you see signs of life.

[Rangerkris]

Try, its got to be worth a try some seeds lay dormant for years and years

[gillie]

How have the seeds been kept?  If they have been kept dry and cool they may well germinate, if they have been in a damp shed I doubt it.

[240173paul]

My Grandad (Who throws nothing away and I mean NOTHING) was cleaning out his shed last month and found some seed which he gave me.  There are about 30 packs of veg and flowers, some opened and some still foil seeled.  Now the dates range from sow by 1989-1976   I was going to let my 3 and 6 year old girls plant the on there patch , my wife says tells me not to be so tight and give them my new seed   What do you think, oh and the Aubergine seed I planted for a laugh has germinated!!!!!!!!!!

[plum crumble]

hey, if you've got space, chuck 'em in and see what happens - why not?  But also have some fresh seed ready.......

[Nige2Plots]

hey, if you've got space, chuck 'em in and see what happens - why not?  But also have some fresh seed ready.......

That's a fair comment Plum. Go for it you have nothing to lose!

[mumofstig]

there is another recent post about old seeds, so I am merging this one with that

[Salmo]

Rocket and salad mix may be worth a go but I would be wary of sowing seeds that old where I needed individual plants to develop.

The seeds may still germinate but they will have lost vigour and will probably be slow to germinate and produce weak seedlings. Both these factors will make them vunerable to pests and disease.

[Mazzie]

They have been kept in a cardboard box in a garage i believe.  Some are sealed packs some open but folded over.

I think i will try the salad and rocket in my new fancy planter and see what happens and perhaps ditch the toms, i already have plenty and i had enough issues with blossom end rot and blight last year - infact we ate only green toms all summer (not that i mind i love them) 

[ferreter51]

I've had old seeds give good results, so it may be worth a try.