Can I use seeds from last year this year?

[Lindsay E]

So we bought our first house last year, and I was feeling ambitious. I bought a lot of different seeds from the grocery store. Carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, basil, oregano and zucchini. Sadly we were very busy in the spring and I didn't get a lot of planting done. I did start some tomatoes indoors but they were transplanted so late I didn't get much of a harvest. So now I'm wondering if these seeds will still be useable this spring, or if I'm better off buying new ones? I hate to just throw them away.

[frugalwarrior2]

You can definately use them. The older seeds get and fewer will germinate but they aren't all bad. Keep them in a cool dry place.

[frugalfranny]

Don't toss them - whatever you do.......I have used seeds that were past 2 years old. Unless they have been near heat, in the sun or something they will still have some sort of germination rate.

To test - put 10 of them in a damp paper towel, spaced out a little - fold towel over them - leave them in a sunny window or warm place and see how many germinate........that is your percentage.

If I am using old seeds I also make sure that I keep them misted with instant tea and shampoo and water.......I think it helps the germination rate. (don't 'water' them, use this solution.)

[Contrary Housewife]

Seeds are usually good for 4 years, but they may deteriorate before that. I keep mine in zip bags in the fridge to enhance their lifespan.

[Josephhgoins]

I keep mine in my mom's basement. it is cool and dark and the humidity is fairly low. I one used some indian corn that was over 20 years old and itgrew very nice, until the crows got it.

I all depends on the seeds. Frugal Fanny has a great idea that I would follow.