Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Seed Experiment

So, I was inspired by this NYTimes article on seeds from your kitchen, to just do an experiment on some seeds I happen to have. They're not exactly from my kitchen, but they were IN my mom's kitchen for about 15 years. All of the seeds on this plate date from 1996-1999. I wanted to see if any of them are still good, as I am pretty sure the scallion seeds from this batch that I tried to grow a couple weeks ago are no good.
From 12 o'clock, going clockwise in alphabetical order, I have Beets (Early Wonder), Cantaloupe, Carrots, Celeriac, Celery, Dipper Gourd, Easter Egg Blend Radish, Endive, Lemon Cucumber, Lettuce, Onions, Parsnips, Squash (Early Summer Crookneck), Swiss Chard, Tomatillos, Watermelon (Sugar Bowl), Zucchini.

Let's see if any of them sprout! I won't be surprised if many do not, but then I can just throw that seed packet away and stop letting it take up space =) And if some sprout, I can plant them or at least know that the seeds will work. =)

4 comments:

meemsnyc said...

Wow, old seeds, I wonder if they will sprout.

Laura said...

Me too =) We'll see!

Debs said...

I too am starting my container flower/vegie garden early this year. I am using an aerogarden for this. Have you thought abot trying this? Right now I have nasturastium, foxglove, rudbeckia, cornflower, phlox, moonflower, echinacea, 5 different types of peppers, lemon cucumber.
Tomatos also start of really well in this. I started the flowers on 2/8 & they are between 1" to 2" high & now areready to be potted into individual 4" containers. The vegies were planted 2/21 & are about 1/2" high. Last year I had really good luck with geraniums, rudbeckia & echinacea starting them this way. I noticed your plastic pots. I too use plastic but I found going to a local nursery I could buy large used plastic black pots for .50 cents each.
Debs/Bellevue, WA debsh@comcast.net

Laura said...

Hi Debs! I've never tried an aerogarden, but I want to try hydroponics this year. I keep fish and think their aquarium water would be a good nutrient source for some leafy greens =) My container situation is always a bit frustrating. I'd love to have larger containers, but I worry that if they get too large they will be too difficult to move and too heavy for the roof. Good luck with your garden!