Seed use by date?

[igorina]

Do seeds have a use by date?

If so, do they actually "not work" when past that date?

The main thing is i'll be buying packets of seed but only using very few of them so wondered if i could keep them til next season or should just make sure my plants are off to a good start then offer them on here so at least someone else will get some use out of them.

[fivespud364]

It varies greatly from seed to seed and how you keep them always try and re-seal the pack and always keep in a cool dry place away from sunlight.

Parsnips decrease rapidly in germination after the first year where as most brassicas are viable for years ive recently had excellent germination on pak choi seed that was at least 12 years old

if you get yourself a cheap copy of the vegetable expert that has all the seed life expectancies in it

[runnerbean]

I am like you and I somtimes only use part of the packet. I was told to place any packets of seeds, sealed with tape, and place in strong cardboard and taped with parcel tape, and put in the fridge until needed. Then leave to come up to room temperature, before planting. I have used seeds this way for a couple of seasons, and the plants have come up, each time.

[igorina]

Thanks...

[Lizald]

It's always a worry I know if your seeds will germinate - it seems such a waste.

I seem to be giving this opinion over again though - have you thought about sowing them all and then either giving them away to friends, school fetes or even selling the surplus?

I sell my surplus plants from my front garden - it pays for all the seeds, compost and makes a profit.

All you need to do is put a notice up saying 'sale of.... plants, Saturday 10 til 2' or something along those lines for a week or two - then do it.

Just an idea?

Regards

Liz

[Lizald]

http://www.the-herb-guide.com/growin...or-profit.html

This link will take you to a page on my site which outline the things you should consider if you intend to sell your surplus plants.

Regards

Liz

[fivespud364]

we multi sow our herbs direct in to 9cm pots no transplanting and you get a nice pot full we use a domed pot tamper which makes a nice dip in the middle for the seed and i dont cover a lot of my herb seeds as they are small i just let the watering bed them in seems to work fairly well