Veggie Seeds: Let's Chat About Their Lifespan and Testing Viability! 😎
Storing times for vegetable seeds: How long each vegetable seed variety can be kept before planting.
Hey there garden enthusiasts! Are you looking to sow some seeds but unsure about their lifespan? Well, buckle up, because I'm here to help you navigate the diverse world of veggie seeds and their longevity.
Let's begin with establishing that different seeds have varying shelf lives before they need to be replaced. Titan of horticulture, Alan Titchmarsh, has shared insight about the veg seeds that don't store well and are best sown fresh every year. On the other hand, there are seeds that last up to five years before you need to revamp your collection.
For instance, seeds with a short to medium shelf life include beans, peas, carrots, peppers, and lettuce. Meanwhile, seeds with a longer lifespan comprise tomatoes, cucumbers, and some other delightful veggies.
Now, on to proper storage conditions for your seeds. Seeds should be securely stored in airtight containers like glass jars or zip-lock bags, kept cool (5–15°C) and dry, with moisture absorbers like silica gel packets or rice grains. Light and excessive humidity should be avoided to prevent mold and reduce germination rates. Remember, the magic equation for seed storage is to keep the sum of temperature in °F plus relative humidity below 100 (e.g., 40°F and 50% humidity = 90) for optimal longevity.
So, how can we test seed viability? Alan Titchmarsh showcased a nifty little method using a kitchen towel and water. This test involves placing about 10 seeds of the variety to be tested on a moistened paper towel, folding it over, and keeping the seeds snug and moist. The setup should then be placed in a warm spot (around room temperature) and monitored to see how many seeds sprout after 5 to 10 days. If at least 8 out of 10 seeds sprout, the viability is considered good.
In conclusion, seed longevity varies by type, but with proper storage conditions, many vegetable seeds can last several years. The kitchen towel germination test is a straightforward, dependable way to check seed viability before planting. Happy gardening! 🌱🎉🌱
- To maintain a thriving home-and-garden lifestyle, it's essential to ensure the seeds for your veggies are viable, as their lifespans can range from one year to up to five years depending on their type.
- For the home gardener, testing the viability of seeds before planting is crucial, and a simple and effective way to do this is by using the kitchen towel and water method, as demonstrated by gardening expert, Alan Titchmarsh.
