Help! All my garden seeds froze...what to keep and what to toss?

[freemotion]

As the title states....I got back from Florida last night and this morning I discovered that during a project, a box containing all my seeds leftover from last summer's garden (LOTS) was accidentally left in the garage. We had subzero weather here for a good part of the week.

What seeds can freeze and still be viable, and what seeds cannot? I have just about everything you can think of, and need to make my seed order soon....I don't have time to test them all. I don't have enough of some to test them, anyways.

Help?

 

[The Vail Benton's]

Hi Free! Welcome Home!
I wouldn't think that your seeds would be bothered by freezing temps as long as they didn't get wet. I will be interested to read what others have to say.

 

[Ldychef2k]

I have read that some people keep their leftover seeds in the freezer for next year....

 

[The Vail Benton's]

Ldychef2k, I was thinking along those lines also - like in the wild, they have to endure the ranges of weather to make it through to spring when they can sprout and start their process all over again.

 

[2dream]

I am one of those who keep seed in the freezer. All except my dried beans and corn.

My advice would be to do a little quick research on the seeds you have to see which ones need a freeze or won't be bothered by one.

post a list of what you have and I am sure several of us can help you get the info quickly.

 

[Organics North]

I think you will be OK as long as they were dry. To much moisture could damage them.

You could alway put some in dirt know and see if they sprout, instead of waiting until you put the garden in. (Little piece of mind..)
on

 

[patandchickens]

Yup, I've never encountered a veg seed that was harmed by freezing. I'm not saying there mightn't be something odd out there somewhere, but at least the vast majority of whatcha got should be *fine*.

If you are unsure, and have sufficient seed, you could test-germinate a bit of anything you're worried about. You know, damp paper towel, ziploc baggie. That way you would KNOW you don't have to order anything. Honestly though I would not personally bother, except maybe if there is some particular thing you can only get by mail order and want to know NOW whether you shoud be ordering.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[hoosier]

I used to keep all of my seed in the freezer (when I had the room ) and I never had trouble with germination.

 

[farmerlor]

A couple of my gardening books tell you to freeze your seeds and then thaw slowly first in the fridge then in room air just before planting. I never have but I do keep my seeds in the garage where it's pretty cold all winter until I fire up the brooder for all the baby chickens and turkeys.

 

[freemotion]

Thanks, everyone, I am not so upset by it anymore! Since I plan to start stuff inside again this year, I should be ok and have time to pick up the occasional one that won't sprout if I need to.