Question.
I have a small vegetable garden. I have lots of seeds left over every year. Is it false economy to save them for the following year? Thanks DM Ballyliffen
Answer.
Seeds do get weaker as the years pass (loose viability), the rate of deterioration depends on certain factors. What it is, when it was harvested and when it was stored. For example, while melon, chard, peppers and tomatoes are reliable for up to four years, and lettuce and carrots for three, parsnips and cabbages start to decline in their second year. Always keep seed in a cool, dry place, ideally in airtight jars with a handful of rice grains or a bag of silica gel to absorb humidity. Do a germination test before you plant old seed. Put some of the seed in a dish with moist cotton wool or similar and leave for two weeks. If the seed has not germinated then spend a bit of money on some new seed.
Horticultural.
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