The 2 year old finally chilled out long enough for a couple cells in my head to stop rattling and I made a list for what to grow. We went to Lowes for a few things and I found onion and potato starts so I got those to try out – russet and red potatoes and red and white onions. I got some of the seeds I wanted, plus “organic dirt” for the peat pots I also got. I was keeping a running tally in my head and ended up not getting the porta-greenhouse. Maybe later when I have a client or 2. I also went through my dad’s seed stash and pulled out a few to try, even though they are from 1997-2001. Worth a shot!
I’ll get a “before” photo of the garden up this weekend as well as the set up I end up with for the seed starting! I can’t wait to take the garden spot from where it is now to what I know it can be!
Anyway, my list:
- Russet potato
- Red potato
- Red onion
- White onion
- Cucumber (slicing and pickling, some from my dad’s stash, some new)
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Green pepper
- Roma tomato
- Zucchini
- Carrot
- Spinach
- Green beans
- Sugar snap & snow peas
- Lettuce
- Crookneck squash
- Jalapeno (from my dad’s stash)
- Corn – maybe
- Herbs:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Sage – maybe, from my dad’s stash
For the really old seeds try pregerminating some of the seeds to make sure they are viable. Just throw them in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag over the fridge. Take a look over about a week or two to see what is actually still alive.
That’s a good tip about testing the seeds — keep them moist by spraying the paper towel and see if they germinate. If more than 50% sprout, they’re likely okay to use. Less than that, and you might want to buy a few new ones, rather than be disappointed.
I’ve used seeds nearly as old as this with success. Good luck!