Excess seeds and what to do with them

[briggsy2011]

Hi

I have a lot of left over seeds, part used packets from last year and unopened packets from this year. I went a bit mad buying them. I have also a couple packets of seeds from this months gyo mag, that i already have got.

What i am after, can i give them away here on this forum, or is there some where i can send them to help out other people? i.e the 3rd world or a school project? I dont want to swop any seeds, as i have all the ones that i need and want to grow etc.

The opened seeds i have got are:-

Carrotts
rocket
parsnip
chives
brussels
lettuce
sweet peppers
beetrot
cabbage
leeks

The unopened packets are:-

radish
tomato - moneymaker
beetroot

If anyone wants any let me know via pm and what seeds you want, or let me know suggestions on what to do with them.

thanks guys

Lou x

[Two_Sheds]

They don't go out of date (well, parsnips might). Use them up

[Nicos]

Oh gosh- don't go giving them away yet!!!!! You're set up now for the next few years!
Take a look at this chart- you'll see what I mean!

Storing Seeds

[Kleftiwallah]

The seedmerchants would love us to plant our seeds and then throw away any seeds left. Then buy more next year. However, seeds are robust and can still by viable (means alive) far longer than the 'use by' date on the packet. I have a list of viability in a small book by Titchmarsh and the seeds are viable about double what the seedsmen say on the packets.

Give a few a try in a small seed tray. I don't think donating them to a school is a good idea, just when we are trying to cultivate gardeners, we don't want them to be put off should non of the seeds 'come up'. Thats my sixpennorth. Cheers, Tony.

[Poolcue]

Had a look at the site.i don't think I agree that onions can only be stored for 1 year

[zazen999]

Had a look at the site.i don't think I agree that onions can only be stored for 1 year

I'm still sowing onions that I bought in Brooklyn 3 years ago. And they are germinating.

[Nicos]

Had a look at the site.i don't think I agree that onions can only be stored for 1 year

Yes-I'd agree with that too...but I think it's suggesting the germination rate drops after that?
Many charts give differing viabilities which shows that it's rather variable. The only constant I have found is parsnip and scorzonera!

Have a look at this poem I've taken from the T&M website!

You have in your drawer since Candlemas Day,
All the seed packets you daren't throw away,
Seed Catalogue cometh as year it doth end,
But look in ye drawer before money you spend.

Throw out ye Parsnip, 'tis no good next year,
And Scorzonera if there's any there,
For these have a life that is gone with ye wynde,
Unlike all ye seeds of ye cabbagy kinde.

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Sprouts, Cabbage and Kale,
Live long like a farmer who knoweth good ale:
Three years for certain, maybe five or four,
To sow in their seasons they stay in ye drawer.

Kohl-Rabi lasts with them and so does Pei-Tsai,
The winter 'cos-lettuce' to sow in July,
But short is the life of ye Turnips and Swedes,
Sow next year only, enough for your needs.

Mustard and Cress for when salads come round,
Sows for three seasons so buy half a pound,
Radish last four years, both round ones and long,
Sown thinly and often they're never too strong.

Last year's left Lettuce sows three summers more,
And Beetroot and Spinach-beet easily four,
But ordinary Spinach, both prickly and round,
Hath one summer left before gaps waste ye ground.

Leeks sow three Aprils and one hath gone past,
And this is as long as ye Carrot will last,
Onion seed keeps till four years have flown by,
But sets are so easy and dodge onion-fly.

Store Marrows and Cucumbers, best when they're old,
Full seven summers' sowings a packet can hold.
Six hath ye Celery that needs a frost to taste,
So hath Celeriac before it goes to waste.

Broad Beans, French ones, Runners, sown in May,
Each hath a sowing left before you throw away,
And short Peas, tall Peas, fast ones and slow,
Parsley and Salsify have one more spring to sow.

Then fillen ye form that your seedsmen doth send,
For novelties plentie, there's money to spend,
Good seed and good horses are worth the expense,
So pay them your poundies as I paid my pence.


Brill eh????

[briggsy2011]

thanks guys - i am giving some away, but will be keeping the rest.

[katholicos]

@Nicos

That poem is great, thanks for posting! I have excess seeds which i give away, but shall take heed and not give away quite so many this year....then the next half price or better seed sale comes around and i go crazy again and start hoarding!