Vegetable Seed Viability

If you are like me you have a box of seed packets,  some open, some not that you have accumulated over the seasons. I am one who sees a new variety of vegetable and feel like I want to try to squeeze that in to see if it grows easy and tastes great.

The problem is that over time these seeds loose their viability and their germination rates decrease.  I hate to waste anything so I end up keeping these seed packets way past their prime, even if I was to thick sow seed.  Most vegetable varieties have a certain amount of years that seed remains viable if stored correctly.   There is not a lot of information based on research out there but I did find a helpful link.

Colorado State Extension Seed Viability Times

I decided to try a simple germination test of three seed varieties.  I  put ten seeds of lettuce, onions, and cucumber in moist paper towel and observed for germination.  I  had always read that allium spp did not last year to year and was curious if true.

While this is not the most overly scientific test in the world, I found my results pretty spot on to the germination times listed.

I had 100% from the cukes, about 70% from the lettuce and none of the onion seeds germinated at all.

 

Make sure you store seeds in a cool and dry place.  Now is the time of year to sort them,  see what is viable and make a plan for what you will need to purchase.  Seed starting time is rapidly approaching.

2018 Spring Gardening Workshops

I will be doing a series of workshops in Franklin County at several locations with several different local partners.  All workshops are free and open to the public.  Check out dates, times, and locations below.

 

This series in in partnership with the Charles Madison Nabrit Memorial Garden and Greater Columbus Growing Coalition.

This series is free but asks for registration to plan attendance –>  Click HERE for Registration Link

Click Here to Print the PDF of the Flyer –> CMNMG GCGC Final-21ngo4a

 

This series in in partnership with the Parsons Area Merchants Association and Faith Missionary Baptist Church.

Click Here to Print the PDF of the Flyer –> SouthSideBuckeyeISA_Flyer-1wew8sq

 

This series is in  partnership with the Godman Guild and Local Matters.

Click Here to Print the PDF of the Flyer –> Local Matters_ISAflyer_1.8.18-1mz6ah0