Heirloom seeds are kept over generations; they do not have expiration dates or limitations as such. There are many non profit organizations focused on teaching gardeners stewardship and environmental techniques to save agricultural resources.
“The programs of Organic Seed Alliance serve the needs of today with a vision for tomorrow by promoting the value of seed and seed saving skills, prevent the erosion of this resource, and expand the benefits and abundance inherent in every single seed.” excerpt from Organic Seed Alliance.
But there are a few things you can do as a home gardener to make sure you are planting viable seeds. Although there is a date on each pouch that suggests that the seeds are no longer good. Unless you have a tremendously large garden, you will never plant all of your squash seeds, cucumber seeds, carrots seeds in one season, so save them. After planting each season, put your extra seeds in a dry container, then store them in a dark cool place until next spring, don’t throw them away. I use pencil boxes to organize each type of seed. I have one each for Spring/Fall planting and for Summer planting. These pencil boxes are kept in a medium tub with a snap lid that I put in the basement when not being used. Each Spring I take out my seeds and determine what I need to add for the new growing season.
Check the viability of your leftover seeds first by doing these easy, educational and fun steps.
1. fold one paper towel in half & then half again
2. lay at least 5 seeds on the folded towel
3. sprinkle with water, just enough to dampen towel
4. slide into a clear plastic bag, seeds facing up, close bag
5. place in a warm location, but not direct sun. In the germination time on the packet, your seeds will sprout if they are viable. If 50% of more sprout go ahead and plant them
This technique creates a small portable greenhouse. Most seeds with germinate using this method in about 5-10 days. Once you have determined the viability of your old seeds, then you can make wise decisions about what you need or want to purchase to supplement your garden plan. Happy Planting!
