I wrote a post back in September about all the packets of seed I'd got left over from the last few years and I had a comment from Fran at Bonnie of Clyde saying that she was going to sow all her old packets of seed of salad leaves, greens, beetroot, peas and herbs to make mixed salads. I thought this was a great idea for using up old seed so I shall be doing the same.
I've sorted through my old packets of seed and I've got lettuce, mixed leaves, beetroot, peas and mange tout among other things. These will be given a chance to do their thing, even if the seed is past its best now.
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There's no point wasting seed when it can be used in this way. Some seed may not germinate as it's old, but it won't really matter when it's all combined. It's a good way to use up old seed, it will give a quick harvest when leaves are used young and it will save a bit of money too. A win, win, win situation.
That sounds like a great idea Jo, I was having a rummage through my seed boxes the other day. I think I might sow a few pots worth in the greenhouse.
ReplyDeleteWaste not want not. There's no point disposing of seeds if they'll still grow. I hope we both have success.
DeleteI usually find packets of seed that I forgot to plant and use them up. Even with 'in date' seeds it's win some lose some.
ReplyDeleteIt is. Some seeds just don't seem to want to germinate, parsnips come to mind. I usually pass on any seeds I don't want, there's plenty of takers even for out of date ones.
DeleteI shall try and sow my older seed as well, I am trying to get a feel for what lasts for ages and what needs to be fresh. I don't think I'll need to buy too much this year though.
ReplyDeleteMost old seed will germinate, it's just that it's a bit hit and miss so you may need to resow if it's very old seed you're using. I think it's a great idea to combine all the old seed to grow mixed leaves, it should make for a tasty salad.
DeleteThat sounds like a good idea. It'll be interesting to see how much does germinate and grow. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteI should imagine that most of the seeds will germinate, most things tend to be viable way past the use by date. As you say, it will be interesting to see.
DeleteThat;s a great idea.
ReplyDeletexx
I always like to make use of whatever I can so this is a good way to use up all those leftover seeds.
DeleteI've done this in the past - it us a good way to use old seed.
ReplyDeleteI think I've got enough seed to make sowings right through next year, I should never be without salad leaves.
DeleteWell Jo, I think that is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteMy children throw old veg etc away. If I suggest they make a soup they look at me as though I am crazy :)
Good luck with your seeds.............bet they do well.
I like to get what I can out of everything so this should use up all the seeds I've carried over from the last few years. I'm sure that most of them will still germinate and they'll give me lots of lovely salad leaves.
DeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteI tend to forget I've got seed left over and end up buying more of the same so it's a great way to use up any excess.
DeleteWhat a great way t use up old seed without worrying about wasting space...great tip I will remember next year!!
ReplyDeleteWe don't eat a lot of salad so picking leaves while they're young is a good idea for us. It will use up all that old seed and we'll get some meals out of it.
DeleteI have done the same myself. As a last resort, if you can't find room to grow the seeds, you could always put them out for the birds to eat!
ReplyDeleteThat's another good idea. It just shows that seed needn't go to waste.
DeleteI sowed all my old seed this year and was surprised how well it did. Most of it germinated despite being four/five years ole. I hope you get a good harvest, it will be interesting to see how you get on.xxx
ReplyDeleteMost seed stays viable for many years, I think the use by date on the seed packets is just a ploy to get us to buy more.
DeleteWhat a great idea! xx
ReplyDeleteIt is if it works, which I'm sure it will.
DeleteGreat thinking Batman! You've nothing to loose and might be pleasantly surprised.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually grow much salad as we don't eat much, but I've been eating more than usual myself so I was wanting to grow more than usual next year anyway. I hope it works.
DeleteGood idea! Better to sow those left over seeds and see what happens than leave them. It's good to have some salad leaves growing in a box over the Winter months.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd got some going a little earlier now as the weather's got much cooler lately and I'm not sure they'd germinate now so I think I'll wait until spring to sow them.
DeleteI love your mixed salad plan, Jo, and will try it, too, in the spring. I still have beets to harvest for pickling. I plan on doing this in the next week before the ground freezes -- we have record cold on the way I'm told. P. x
ReplyDeleteIt's better than wasting the seed. I should get those beets harvested, you don't want them to freeze in the ground.
DeleteI've done that before and it works remarkably well :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's such a good idea, a great way to use up seed.
DeleteWhat a great idea!
ReplyDeleteIt should provide some tasty meals, I'm looking forward to getting started.
DeleteGreat idea, I need to sort the 'seed stash' as well.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that mine hasn't been sorted for quite a few years so there's lots of old seed as well as half empty packets of seed. At least it won't go to waste.
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