Seeds for 2016?

[Moopmoop]

I have all of the seeds I need for this year and next and probably the year after that too. I've now got about 16 packets of seeds that I've received free with magazines and stuff that are dated 2016. Am I safe to assume that most of them will be ok (excluding poss carrots and parsnips) if I store them unopened in a sealed container and keep them for 2016?

[Alison]

If stored properly they'll be fine well beyond that date. Sell by dates really iritate me. Oh and the carrots will be fine too

[Moopmoop]

Thanks Alison, I thought that would be the case. Can you please define stored properly? Do they need to be kept in the dark? At the minute I've got most of them in clear plastic tubs.

[rustylady]

If they're in packets they don't need to be stored in the dark. Just keep them cool.

[veggiechicken]

Kept cool is the main thing, some folk store them in sealed boxes in the fridge. Don't keep them in the garage/shed/greenhouse as the temperatures fluctuate too much.
Try this How long vegetable seeds can be stored

[Alison]

Mine live in old metal biscuit tins in the front room which as our living room is rather warmer than a fridge although I am a bit tight with the heating and the shelves are nowhere near the radiator. Also you obviously need to keep them dry but am guessing you'd worked that bit out