In case of another COVID-19 like event, consider buying next years supplies this year

[Kaleva]

Last edited Mon May 18, 2020, 03:51 AM - Edit history (1)

Practically all garden seeds can last at least one year and most can last several when stored under proper conditions.

Here's a link to an informative site:

https://www.thespruce.com/how-long-do-vegetable-seeds-last-1403089

I've been meaning to put together a 1-2 year stock of gardening supplies for sometime now but it's always been pushed to the side. Events this year have motivated me to actually do it and I have much done already and should have this completed in June as my wife has a Drs. appointment that month in town and I can stop at Lowes and get some peat pellet refill plugs.

As for seeds that I'm stocking up on, I'm sticking to the basics. Seeds that I know I'll be planting in the garden every year. Such as:

Tomatoes
Cabbage
Beets
Carrots
Pole Beans
Sugar Snap Peas
Peppers
Radishes
Daikon Radishes
Rutabaga
Acorn Squash
Cucumbers
Zucchini

Zucchini, Daikon radishes,Acorn squash and cucumber seeds can last 4-5 years, when properly stored, and packets of such have more seeds then I need for one season so one packet can last me for a few seasons. For other plants like beets and carrots, I'll need a couple of packets per season.

[2naSalit]

1. I have a seed cache

that I rotate when newer seeds are available. Been doing that for years. Besides, seeds are transportable and, as you said, last for years if kept properly. I just planted some this week that I have had for about a decade and I haven't used them all either.

Good post. I garden whenever I have a place to do so.

[Jamastiene]

2. One good trick for most vegetable seeds is that you can put them in a ziplock bag in the freezer.

They keep for several years that way and when you plant them, you have the added benefit of them germinating a tiny bit quicker. It's not a lot, but it certainly seems to kick them in gear once you do plant them later.

[Kaleva]

3. I plan on storingthe seeds in a freezer ziplock bag that I suck the air out of.

And put that bag in empty, clean Coffee Mate container with a cover.

[Worried2020]

4. I'll bet these guys are doing good business . . .

.
.

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Enjoy . . .



W

[MelissaB]

9. Thanks!

[jaxexpat]

5. I've heard that a lot of folks are stocking up on next year's....

salary, pay checks and income. But supplies are tight. With the failure of this years crop of salary many say they may not even be up to planting, much less harvesting their paychecks. And due to the never ending winter and cool spring, income simply didn't germinate at all. The seed cash perished right in the furrow, a real stress on the hobbyist earner and a continuing problem for 2 BRM apartment based agri-business.
USDA analysts note that throughout this record poor investment season and anticipated summer dividend drought, firearms sales are strong and could carry the employed through fall harvest even as recession threatens fall wage futures due to burdensome carryovers of greed from last year's record panic harvest. It all adds up to a record shortage of grocery, mortgage or rent allowance in the near term and a strong buy signal for those hedging against homelessness.

[Arkansas Granny]

6. I haven't gardened in years, but decided to grow a few containers this year.

A few weeks ago found a bunch of seeds that I had put in a can with a lid some time back. It included a packet of tomato seeds that had come as a freebie with something else. I planted them in peat moss cups and it appears that I have 50% germination. They weren't even marked with the variety, so I'll just call them mystery tomatoes. 🍅

The newest packet in the tin were for growing season 2017. Besides the tomatoes I've sprouted canteloupes and cucumbers out of that batch of old seeds.

[Kaleva]

7. I haven't ever noticed or asked if stores sell seeds at a deep discount later in the year.

I know the local store discounts hanging baskets and sometimes bags of mulch.

This year I'll keep an eye open for discounts on seeds and potting soil.

[WhiteTara]

8. Don't forget lettuce

there are NO lettuce seeds to be had this late spring!

[Kaleva]

10. I'll plant lettuce in normal years

But it won't be part of my garden stock as when something bad happens like Covid-19, I intend to maximize garden footage with vegetables that I can store, in some fashion, for long term.

Although I may end up with lettuce seeds anyways as a packet contain about 400 seeds and they can remain viable for up to 5 years if stored properly.

[MissB]

11. I have a ton of seeds

I use plastic boxes with individual slots for photo storage cases. Alphabetically arranged, of course.

What I did last year was evaluate what varieties of seed I had that were hybrid vs heirloom. When I ordered seeds after the first of the year (pre-covid), I tried to fill in as much as possible with heirloom, organic seeds.

I have some second year seeds - beans and mustards- that I’ve sown this spring (or will sow early June like winter squash). I’m going to try to keep more this year out of those, since they’ve already proven that they will grow here on my property. And I’ll try to add to my seeds of other plants like my tomatoes.

I started cardoons this spring from saved seed. Saved the biggest flower pod from the biggest plant. A whole bunch of them grew, so now I have a lot more cardoons in my yard

[Kaleva]

12. I might try to start saving seeds from the plants in the garden

But I have a number of other projects that need to be completed before I can attempt that.