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Garden Gate:  Old Seed worth starting?  |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 07 2007 : 6:46:17 PM
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I have several packets of seed that I didn't manage to get into the ground because we moved and I didn't have the bed space. Things like flowers, and peas. Do any of you have sugestions for the best ways to ensure that old seed will sprout? Is it even worth the effort? Keep in mind that I won't have the money to replace these with other seed if I don't plant them. I also have the ability to start the plants and THEN put them in the Garden.
rachel
See what I'm up to on my blog... http://minetothine.blogspot.com
OR check out my gardening activities at http://oceanfarmgirlsgarden.blogspot.com |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2007 : 7:15:46 PM
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How old are they? If they are last years they will be ok. Just soak them before planting or if they are tiny lay them out on wet (damp) paper towels and cover over night. I hope that helps. If they are lots of years old germanation will be spotty or nil. MB
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2007 : 06:23:02 AM
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seeds can generally last up to 5 yrs.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 6:41:48 PM
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If you have a lot of them take 20 seeds and put in a damp paper towel on top of the refrigerator for a few days, check germination after the time to germinate from the seed package and see what your percentage is. If > 50% I would go for it, just put 2 seeds in each pot or hole.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 6:49:52 PM
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LOL for a second I thought you said IN the frige! I'll try that! I think enough of them will start that I don't have to worry. It's not like I have a HUGE area to cover! LOL
rachel
See what I'm up to on my blog... http://minetothine.blogspot.com
OR check out my gardening activities at http://oceanfarmgirlsgarden.blogspot.com |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Feb 14 2007 : 08:37:38 AM
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I use the old pie tin & damp paper towels (like we did w/beans in grade school)for sprouting my sweet pea, sunflowers & any bean type seed. I put them on my kitchen garden window and keep them damp & let them sprout till about 1-2" tall then I transplant them to paper egg cartons filled w/potting soil, after they are hardy I transplant them (seperate the egg carton cups & plant seed & cup)into my garden. I also have a bird feeding station where the sunflowers grow freely & the birds enjoy them for food & shelter. I get to watch them from my kitchen window...as to my 4-legged fur babies....
tata-4-now
>^..^< |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - Feb 14 2007 : 09:28:48 AM
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I like that idea, Grace! I've got a bunch of sunflowers to plant this year. I'm planting them in my bird area, and the Children's Garden area too. I've got a special place for the boys to plant a few kid friendly vegis and flowers so that they can pick to their heart's content!
rachel
See what I'm up to on my blog... http://minetothine.blogspot.com
OR check out my gardening activities at http://oceanfarmgirlsgarden.blogspot.com |
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Garden Gate: Old Seed worth starting? |
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Old Seed worth starting?
