Old seeds

[longers]

While having a sort out I found my half opened out of date or closed and still out of date seed packets with dates as long ago as BBE 2004. Some don't have dates on at all. They've been kept indoors in a dry but not warm cupboard.

There's herbs, veggies and salad stuff and I'm wanting to grow a few in pots and containers in the yard. Should I plan on sowing a few extra seeds if they won't germinate as easily? Or start again with fresh? Thanks.

 

[Arch]

I reckon there's no harm in trying. Maybe bung some in as soon as is practical (ie, right at the beginning of the recommended period), and see what happens, then you still have time to buy and sow some new if nothing comes up (and with salads you probably want some succession sowing anyway I expect...).

The worst that happens is that you end up sowing a bit late if all the old stuff fails to come up...

 

[Hover Fly]

It varies greatly with the species. There would be no harm in trying, but sow early in the season so if they don't show you can plant fresh seeds.

 

[Twenty Inch]

What hoverfly says, or you can try chitting them beforehand on wet kitchen paper to see what the germination rate is.

 

[longers]

Thankyou, as a crap gardener I'll try to be organised enough to plant early.

 

[Arch]

Thankyou, as a crap gardener I'll try to be organised enough to plant early.

If it helps, think if it as being late planting them from last year....