It's that time of year when many of us are rummaging through our seed stash or browsing seed catalogues, all in anticipation for seed sowing in the spring. But what to do with 'expired' seed? Here at the Frome Seed Library, no seed is left behind! We occasionally get seeds past their use by date, or undated, but with a bit of damp kitchen towel and patience you can easily check the viability of seed, and save yourself the disappointment and effort of sowing dud seed.
All you need is a plate, some damp kitchen towel, and some cling. Lay the damp kitchen towel on the plate, sprinkle a good pinch of the seed then cover with the cling (not essential, but we find helps maintain a nice humid environment for the seeds), then pop on a window sill, remembering to make a note of the seeds sown. Learn more here.