Seed packets slightly damp - still ok to use?

[becky_jo]

Another *silly* question from a novice - sorry, but you are a very helpful bunch!

I have some seeds from last year (and possibly year before) but I didn't store them very carefully, and a few of the outer packets have got a bit wet (splashed from the utility room sink). The seeds look fine and haven't germinated - are they likely to be ok? Most are in date but a couple have Best Before dates of Sept 2018. Shall I just give them all a go and see what happens? Presumably the 'test' is whether or not they germinate?

Labelling, good storage and planting diaries are all things I'm working on this year...

Thanks again.

[Small pumpkin]

As our very own VC says every seed deserves a chance .
Sow them you've got nothing to lose.
Not many of us take any notice of use by dates either

[Thelma Sanders]

If they were foil packets I'd say they were ok, but may not be if they were just in paper packets.
I'd do a germination test, with a pinch of seed...
https://www.highmowingseeds.com/blog...-test-at-home/

[becky_jo]

If they were foil packets I'd say they were ok, but may not be if they were just in paper packets.
I'd do a germination test, with a pinch of seed...
https://www.highmowingseeds.com/blog...-test-at-home/

Thanks Thelma - have just set one up

[4Shoes]

Sealed packets are quite robust.

I'd left some in my greenhouse over winter and slugs had eaten the writing off the top of the packets.

[SarrissUK]

And I bet they still germinated 4Shoes!

I'm sure they'll be fine

[Mark_Riga]

If they are parsnip, I would discard them. You need fresh parsnip seed every year and, as it takes for ever to germinate, if you sow duff seeds, a second sowing struggles to catch up.

[becky_jo]

If they are parsnip, I would discard them. You need fresh parsnip seed every year and, as it takes for ever to germinate, if you sow duff seeds, a second sowing struggles to catch up.

Thanks Mark, I was going to try a different variety of parsnip this year - we had a fair crop but (I hate to admit it) they weren't as tasty as shop-bought! Even though of course it felt better to be eating from one's own garden!!

[toomanytommytoes]

Thanks Mark, I was going to try a different variety of parsnip this year - we had a fair crop but (I hate to admit it) they weren't as tasty as shop-bought! Even though of course it felt better to be eating from one's own garden!!

Which variety was it that disappointed you?

[4Shoes]

And I bet they still germinated 4Shoes!

I'm sure they'll be fine

Thought that was a given. Yes

[becky_jo]

Which variety was it that disappointed you?

It was 'Tender and True' (Mr Fothergill's). We had a fairly good crop albeit quite late (first time growing parsnips though and I think this is quite normal!). They tasted fine, but not amazing!

[Mark_Riga]

I've never really noticed a difference between varieties for taste. Generally roasted they are delicious, especially after a they have had frost on them which makes them sweeter I think. we have had a few frosts now so should be fine.