My seed “collection” is the same as my yarn and fabric collections .. out of control! I love buying different seeds, especially the more unusual ones. They were all stored in plastic grocery sacks and last week, as I began planning where I would plant what, and getting some seeds started in cups, I decided it was time to organize the seeds.
Seeds
I made a spreadsheet and it was no surprise that I had 10 packs of San Marzano tomato seeds. I save some seeds from year to year for the varieties I like best and I start them in cups in plenty of time so that if they don’t sprout, I still have time to plant purchased seeds but so far, every year, the seeds I’ve saved have sprouted.
Seeds
A few years back, my parents found seeds in their freezer that had been saved by my grandparents, and had been in the freezer at least 20 years. Dad planted them and they sprouted and produced.
I was surprised to see how many of some of the seeds I had, and how few of others I have.
Seeds
The seeds are all organized and now I have a handle on what I have, what I need and I can find them.
Seeds
I’m ready for planting time. The first things I’ll plant .. probably week after next, are these peas.
Peas
These are so good! I have to plant more of these than I think I’ll need because they mostly get eaten while I’m in the garden! I love these things raw. I think they’re much better raw than cooked, but they aren’t bad cooked either.
I can’t wait to start playing in the garden.
Maggie says
I have not gardened much at all, but the few times I have bought seeds there were use by dates. In your experience can these be ignored all the time or are there some seeds that do not keep with age well?
JudyL says
I pretty much ignore use by dates. I’ve had seeds that stayed in the freezer for years and years and still produced.
Diana In R.R says
I love sugar snap peas! Freeze next week, we may get into the high 20’s! This is next Wednesday AM.
Bev Gunn says
I also tend to just pick up packets of seeds and then find I have a multiple of one kind! The kids laugh at me and keep telling me not to buy any more before I check what is at home-but I might not get back to the store any time soon and don’t want to miss getting them!…….About like buying fabric and yarn!
JudyL says
My thoughts exactly! Thank goodness seed packets are inexpensive and don’t take up much room in the house. Also, if I plant . . say . . peas, and they come up and grasshoppers eat them and I need to replant, all the seeds in the store may be gone and I have to rely on my stash.