Q: I have leftover seeds from last year and prior years; should I throw them out? I wonder if any of them are viable and will germinate and grow?
A: If you have some seed left from past gardening seasons, you may not have to buy new this year. Reflect upon the storage conditions, inspect the seed, and run a germination test to check the seed viability. You may end up having extra money in your gardening budget to buy additional seeds.
Seeds, according to their habits in the wild and moisture content, have differing life spans. Some, especially fleshy seeds, die very quickly so need to be sown as soon as they ripen; others, particularly seeds, such as those of beans or tomatoes, can be kept for up to ten years.
Most seeds stored in a cool [below 39 degrees], dry place will still be viable for five years or more. Even after that you can plant the old seeds successfully by simply sowing a bit more thickly. Plump, healthy seeds produce the most vigorous new plants. (more…)