As you scour the seed catalogs and websites for new and favorite flower and vegetable seeds, take time to
inventory the seeds you have saved from previous years. You’ll save money by not buying more of the seeds
you already have so you’ll have more to spend on something new.
Starting with fresh seeds from a reliable seed company helps boost your growing success. But what gardener can
resist getting the most out of every purchase by saving and planting seeds left from previous years?
Seeds stored in a consistently cool, not freezing, dry, dark location can last for one to five or more years.
Start by checking the packaging or expiration date on the packet. Onions, parsley, parsnips, and salsify seeds
usually last one year while corn, okra, and pepper seeds last an average of two years. Beans and peas generally
last for three years; tomatoes, turnips, beets, chard, and watermelon four; and Brussels sprouts, cabbage,
muskmelon, radishes, and spinach are the longest lasting at five years.
Perennial flower seeds last an average of two to four years while annual flower seeds last from one to three
years depending on the species. There are always exceptions, with a few seeds that were found lasting more than
a hundred years.
You may find your properly stored seeds last longer than the averages. But once seeds pass their average life
expectancy you may see a reduction in germination. Use this quick
and easy test to see if your stored seeds will sprout and grow. Place ten seeds on a damp paper towel.
Roll up the towel with the seeds safely tucked inside. Set the paper towel in a plastic bag and store it in a
warm, dark location.
Seeds, a damp paper towel, and a plastic bag are all you need to test the viability of stored seeds.
After a week or so, unwrap the paper towel and check the seeds for sprouting. If nothing has happened, rewrap the
seeds and wait a few more days.
If all the seeds have sprouted, you have one hundred percent germination and can plant the seeds according to the
label directions. If only half the seeds sprout, you should plant the seeds twice as thick to compensate for the
lower germination. You can plant these sprouted seeds if you have the available gardening space and the growing
conditions are right for the seeds to grow.
If none of the seeds sprout, consider breaking out the glue and getting the family involved in turning these
nonviable seeds into seed art. Then make some adjustments to your seed storage strategies in the future. Leave
seeds in their original package so you have all the information you need when inventorying and planting the
seeds the following season. Place the envelope in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator or a
consistently cool but not freezing location.
If you’ve lost seeds to hungry rodents, try storing them in the refrigerator or in metal or glass
containers. Sealed plastic containers are fine, but hungry mice can eat their way through the plastic to your
stored seeds.
You, like many gardeners, often end up with more seeds than you will ever grow. Consider sharing these with
others by donating them to school groups, community gardeners, and master gardeners who will put them to use in
various gardens in your community. Or organize a seed swap. Just gather your gardening friends or work
colleagues, the seeds and catalogs, and throw a garden party.
Seed swaps are a great way to find unusual or unique seeds. It is also a great way to save money and get the
greatest value by sharing extra seeds with friends and family.
Once the seed swapping is done you may want to break out the catalogs, check online seed retailers, and place a
group seed order. Working together you’ll be able to order a wider variety of seeds for greater diversity
in the garden. Everyone can take what they need so there will be fewer seeds to save in the future. Plus,
ordering larger packets is usually more economical. And you’ll have an excuse for another party when you
meet to divide up the goods.
By Heirloom Roses
Images courtesy of Heirloom Roses
Insects can create quite a headache for rose lovers. But think about a proactive approach for your garden’s health instead of a reactive response once the pests arrive.
Think beneficial insects. Click here for an informative article on the topic.
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