How old is too old?

[lovestoread]

I found some seeds , flower and lettuces, green beans...most are from the late 2000's, but I have a couple that are from '97....would these even sprout? just curious...I will plant anyway, but wasn't sure if it was worth my time....

[Russ]

Put them in some wet paper towel over night and see if they sprout.

[craftypam]

I had seeds that were really old and didn't know how long to keep them. I ran across this info in the Sq Ft Gardening Book.
beans, carrot, peas 3-4 years; broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, lettuce, melon, radish, spinach, squash 5-6 years; corn and onion, 1-2 years; and tomato and peppers 4-5 years.

My garden has done horrible for the last few years and I wondered that if the seeds were old and even if they sprouted would they produce well.

[chowder]

Yup,what Russ says.I like to take 8 or so and do the wet paper towel ,fold it over and put into a zip lock bag.I toss it on top of the fridge and check it everyday for sprouts.Just remember to mark the bag so you remember whats in each one.

[MsMarieH]

I echo the ziplock baggie with a damp towel comments. Just be aware it may take longer than a day for them to sprout. If you put in ten seeds it will give you a percentage of germination so you'll know how many to sow. Personally, I'd just sow the whole package myself in a smaller space.