Check Left-Over Seed Supply

January is a good time to start making gardening plans for the coming season. However before doing this, we need to check over our old seed supply. Before purchasing new seeds, determine the value, if any, of left-over seeds from last season. In many cases, the cost of seeds is a relatively small portion of the total gardening expense and effort. We should not waste time by planting bad seeds. The vigor and viability of seeds from last season depend partly on how they were stored during the past summer and fall.

Left-over seeds should be kept in a closed container in a cool, dry place. Suitable containers are large- mouth canning jars with lids or large coffee cans with tight plastic lids. If no other cool place is available, air tight containers of seed packets may be stored in the refrigerator. If stored properly, most vegetable seeds still sprout well even after three seasons. However, onion, parsley, parsnip and sweet corn usually have reduced germinating, after one or two years.

Seeds not properly stored or older than three seasons will usually not germinate as well as desired. To some extent we can make up for reduced germination by planting seeds more thickly. However, we often do not know the exact condition of the seeds. If they do not grow well, we have lost two or more weeks of the gardening season. When growing cool season crops in spring, two weeks lost may mean a reduced harvest, especially if hot weather arrives quickly.

If only a few seeds are left in a package and there is some doubt of their vigor, discard them and purchase new seeds. If a large quantity of old seeds remains, it may seem wasteful to discard them. A simple test at home to determine their condition may be worthwhile. Testing is easy. Count out a definite number of each kind of seed in question and scatter them on a damp paper towel or blotter-paper. Do not use less than 20 seeds or more than 100.

Keep each kind or variety separate and marked. Slip each damp towel with the seeds on top into a separate plastic bag and tie shut. Put the bags in a warm place. Light is not necessary for germination. Check them at least every two days to observe the development and amount of germination. If less than 80 per cent of the seeds germinate well, discard the remaining seeds. While 80 per cent of the seeds germinate well, discard the remaining seeds. While 80 per cent may seem like good germination, old seeds are sometimes slow to germinate and have less vigor. While these seeds grow in the weak outdoors under less favorable conditions and probably never appear above the soil.

In selecting seeds for the garden, look for varieties that offer special qualities such a disease resistance or art hybrids. Disease resistance may mean less need for spraying or the chance to plant a variety that might not be grown otherwise. Disease resistance refers only to certain diseases. The specific ones involved should be listed. A resistant variety is not totally immune, but la much less likely to be attached. Hybrid seeds may be more expensive, but often more than make up for the added cost in increased production and quality. Do not go overboard with new varieties, but do not totally reject them. A garden should include some varieties that have performed well in past seasons, as well as a few new varieties in our search for something better.

Accessible Gardening: Tips & Techniques, by Joan Woy.