Garden Vegetable Seeds

New varieties and fresh seeds have greater vigor than old seeds and many old varieties. Disease resistance of newer varieties is also often better than that found in their older counterparts. There are good standard varieties that can not be ignored, however. A comparison of a favorite variety with a new introduction is a worthwhile gardening experience. There is no test quite as meaningful as a comparison in your own garden. As you plant a garden this season, most likely you have a supply of seeds left from last year or even previous years. Whether to plant these seeds depends on both the type of seeds and the way they have been stored.

Seeds stored properly from last year may germinate well in the garden this year. Most garden seeds may be kept for one to two years and still germinate well. The ability to germinate drops off faster-in some others. Among those with the shortest life are sweet corn, okra, onion, parsley, parsnip and salsify. Although these seeds may germinate reasonably well after one year, the germination rate and vigor is seldom adequate after two years.

Among seeds with a slightly longer life and good germination up to three years are bean, carrot, English pea and southern pea. Most other vegetable seeds will germinate well up to their fourth or fifth year when kept in cool, dry storage conditions. In a germination test, we may find that when testing a group of old seeds, a large number of seed will germinate. Still, when seeds from this same group are planted into the garden, germination is poor. As seeds age, they may still be viable, but lose vigor.

When exposed to the less favorable germination conditions outdoors, the weaker seedlings may not survive long enough to emerge from the soil. When using old seeds, plant more thickly than recommended. This not only helps to get rid of the old seed faster, but improves the chances for having an adequate stand of plants. It is better to thin plants when germination is good rather than attempting to fill bare spaces in a thin row with a later planting among already emerged seedlings. Some gardeners save seeds from last year's crop to use for planting.

For most newer varieties, this is not a good practice. Many modern varieties do not produce seed true to type, so the quality of vegetables, as well as plant vigor and disease resistance, may be poorer. If seeds are left when planting is completed, place the opened seed packets in large jars or cans that can be tightly closed. The container must be airtight and must repel moisture. The closed container should be placed in a cool basement, refrigerator or other appropriate place where temperatures do not drop below freezing.

Accessible Gardening: Tips & Techniques, by Joan Woy.