Organizing Seeds

I finally found a way to organize all my seeds.   I put them in a photo box and then labelled the dividers for the categories that made the most sense to how we garden.

I use separate dividers for the normal stuff that we plant like peas and melons and squash and tomatoes and peppers, etc.

I combined the onions and leek type stuff.  Also all the greens.    Also the herbs.  Also the root vegetables because I want to try some new ones and they'll get lost if I put them under Parsnips, because seriously, who remembers parsnips??

So far I love the system.  Everything stays contained and I don't have to use rubber bands.  The seeds I save, I just put in envelopes and file with the others.

Now that I have this and the seed viability lists, I can toss out the old stuff that won't last and know exactly what I already have so I don't re-order any more than I really need.

Old Seeds

I have loads of old seeds.   Loads of them.    I never know which to keep and which to pitch.   Turns out a lot of other people have the same question every year and there are these wonderful charts to help me remember.

I found this chart at  http://awaytogarden.com/estimating-viability-how-long-do-seeds-last/

So.    I'll be pitching my old onion, parsnip and parsley seeds for sure.   And I'll be getting all new spinach seeds - maybe that's why we've had a problem growing spinach.  I was trying to use old seed...

When I was going through my box of seeds, I realized that I had a bunch of herb seed that was aging as well.   Here's a list of herb seed viability rates from The Herb Gardener:  http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2013/01/seed-longevity-herbs.html

• Angelica - 6 months (21 - 30 days)
• Basil - 5 years (14 days)
• Borage - 4 years (14 days)
• Caraway - 3 years (18 days)
• Catnip - 3 years (30 days)
• Chamomile - 3 years (18 days
• Chives - 2 years (10 - 20  days)
• Cilantro - 2 years (21 days)
• Coriander - 4 years (21 days)
• Fennel - 3 years (18 days)
• Lavender - 2 years (21 days)
• Lemon Balm 3 years (21 days)
• Marjoram - 2 years (15 days)
• Mint - 3 years (30 days)
• Oregano - 4 years (30 days)
• Parsley - 2 years (30 days)
• Rosemary - 3 years (14 - 28 days)
• Rue - 2 years (21 days)
• Sage - 4 years (28 days)
• Summer Savory 2 years (28 days)
• Thyme - 3 years (21 days)

It's nice to have these lists on one page now.   I hope they help you plan a great garden this year!