Any point planting seeds if packet says Sow By 2022?

[TheGander]

I have parsley ( never a fast germinator anyway), basil, cucumbers and cabbage seeds which “ expired” in 2022. Am I better off going out and buying new seeds- can get cheap ones at Lidl at the moment, thanks for any advice.

I think that we had a similar thread recently.
Get fresh seeds (Aldi are very cheap) but also sow the old ones to use (if they come up) as giveaways / swaps.

a tray of potting compost doesn't cost a lot and can be re-used if nothing germinates.

Thanks guys. My biggest limiting factor is space, I’m in a flat, no greenhouse, and grow seedlings for the allotment ( no greenhouse there either) so everything is crammed into windows, and nurturing seeds which won’t come to anything is a pain.

If they're kept dry seeds last for years. Plant your nursery inside and see what's what. I never pay attention to use by dates for stuff like that and haven't had any issues germinating.

Apart from with peter penis. So many scammy sellers out there.

Um ... @gamerchick, can you come back and elucidate that second paragraph, please.

Longer you leave just reduces the chance of germination but 2022 would be fine. I'm sowing seeds I've got dates of 1990s on it from my grandma's collection and they're still popping up.

Parsnips are the only seed I would buy new each year.

As I’d say to my teenage DSs, think you need some time out and a non screen activity!

Nothing to lose. I've used seeds several years old.

Yes @gamerchick is peter penis the new snapped and farted?

I came on here to say it's always worth planting seeds even when out of date. If they grow they grow. Nothing to loose.

I'm now giggling wondering what a Peter Penis is and wondering if it enjoy gardening.

I'm just here for the peter penis!🍿

I still plant out of date seeds, I just expect a lower germination rate than usual. Apart from carrots, they’re only good for 1 year, whatever it says on the packet.

I’ve never tried to grow peter penis, so can’t advise on that one, sorry

Um....what the what now? 😂

What a terrifying idea
and brings a whole new meaning to penal colony.

Peppers. Peter penis, your minds man 😂

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161999128707?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=Cj0KCQjwn9CgBhDjARIsAD15h0A6ndoNvlNfDOeid89ZhkCvYie4oKnvZ6CZlpGlWLtWjHJT6cbduNsaAjjjEALw_wcB

They're a pain to germinate but 9/10 if you can they're not what it says on the tin

The plot thickens

what grows instead of peppers? 😂

When space is at a premium, ditch the old seeds and buy new. Why waste valuable windowsill space on something with a low germination rate?

Personally I find parsley a bit of a bugger to grow from seed. Buying a pot of parsley and separating it into several plants has been more effective for me.

HA! Of course! I bet peter penis was supposed to be parsley.

Or 10/10 for me. Always a standard pepper. Conning gits. Most of the time they just don't germinate no matter how decent your intensive care spot is.

Not penis. Would love to find a decent seller who didn't lie.

Peter peppers are not the only chilli to have a problem with internet seeds. "Ebay Reapers" are notorious - you buy what purports to be Carolina Reaper seeds (the hottest chilli in the world.) By the time it fruits and turns out to be a cayenne or other mild & boring pepper, you are months down the line so past the deadline to claim a refund. You have to buy from reputable sellers.

Peter peppers are pretty variable in shape so even if they are the real deal, you'll be lucky to get a significant number of fruits which look like the photos. You remind me that someone sent me some seeds of them last year in a swap, and I haven't sown them. Getting a bit late now for this year.

Aye I don't buy from eBay either. I've got decent hybrid seeds from last year but still got a load of plants that just haven't stopped producing so can't face any new ones this year.

That’s all next years Christmas gifts sorted

I use a cheap shoe rack to stack seed trays by the door for light when I run out of window sill space. I have also built up fortifications on a sideboard by the window to get more light space
Never enough!

OUR minds??? You’re the one who introduced todgers to a perfectly civilised discussion of vegetable growing

Respect!