Open seed packets

[Twynyrodyn]

Probably a stupid question but..... I enthusiastically bought lots of seeds and then of course got free ones from magazines. Do you sow all the seeds from a packet during one growing season or do you carry some over into the next season?
Also, I have a voucher from Sutton for about £25. I don't needs seeds and I think I have most of the equipment I need, canes, tunnels, mesh etc. Is there anything that is a really good value and useful buy from Suttons? I don't really want to be over adventurous and try my hand at flowers this year. I have some old and neglected fruit trees but I think they will be next year's project.I have searched the website but nothing is calling 'buy me!' . Maybe a veg cage?

[jackarmy]

On the whole no.
Sowed garden pearl a bit back and nearly all, id say 90 % germinated, they were from 2010.
last years bb seeeds all took off despite being treated shabbily to say the least.
snips and some say onions are dodgy but id always try them first depending on the timescale i guess.

[Cadalot]

Look at the packs, it will have a sow by or use by date which is a suggestion as to the date that they will remain viable most seeds last a lot longer than the date on the back of the pack if kept in a dry cool location, some people even save their seeds in the fridge.

You can always test seed on damp kitchen roll in a Tupperware container in a warm location and see if they germinate or just sow them and take a chance.

I have three large toolboxes of seeds 75 or more tomatoes that are planned for sowing over the next three years see Alans Allotment: Tomato Selection - The Final Cut and Alans Allotment: Rain Stops Play

[Thelma Sanders]

I've grown lettuce seed that was 5 years old, and it still germinated LOL
So, as already said, it's always worth trying a few before you buy new.

[Zelenina]

For the Suttons voucher what about an electric propagator?

I found this one that's a little below the value of your vouchers
One Top Electric Propagator - All Gift Ideas - Gift Ideas - Gardening

And this super-duper one that would need you to add some extra cash
Garland Super 7 Electric Propagator

[Scarlet]

Yes, I couldn't be without a propagator!

I always carry seed over, I never sow the whole packet.

[Twynyrodyn]

For the Suttons voucher what about an electric propagator?

I found this one that's a little below the value of your vouchers
One Top Electric Propagator - All Gift Ideas - Gift Ideas - Gardening

And this super-duper one that would need you to add some extra cash
Garland Super 7 Electric Propagator

Thank you for the suggestion but I have an electric propagator already.

[Scarlet]

Fruit bushes? Strawberry runners? Something different like a quince or a fig maybe?

Are you from Merthyr?

[Teabag]

Are you from Merthyr?

That's what I thought! I'm in the town over where the snakes live

[veggiechicken]

Its the Wenvoe Twynyrodyn, I believe - what's this about snakes Teabag?

[Teabag]

Something to do with Aberdare workers snaking down the mountain into Merthyr!? (Apparently)

[Jungle Jane]

When do your vouchers expire? You might find that in June you need something that you don't know about yet? I don't sow the whole packet in one go but keep the packets handy for sowing some every month from now,so you have a staggered harvest of some things like lettuce,carrots,peas & runner beans have a longer harvest if you sow some in April & some in May or whatever date is best for you. Someone had a good tip on here of when they plant out their beans they add a seed to the soil next to the plant. You might need more seeds in June

[vixylix]

I have only once ever got to the end of a seed packet - It made me sad

What about things you don't currently need but always will at some point - seed trays, labels, gloves etc?