If I have perennial seeds left over from purchasing last Spring. Can I plant them now for a Spring garden? What is the best thing to do with these seeds?
When you have left over seeds there are things to consider. You can trade them with another person for other seeds you are looking for. Look for free seed swap exchanges on the net, or you can do it locally.
If you decide to use them you need to consider that humidity is key to successful plant growth and production. If you try and grow veggies or some types of herbs this time of year, you risk not having enough humidity to keep the leaves moist in winter. The artificial heat draws the moisture from the leaves, causing them to dry up.
Over watering will not help keep the moisture in. In fact it causes damp off or root rot. If you decide to try growing them, and you live in a dry environment, try this.
Try a fish tank. Put fish gravel on the bottom (For Drainage)and a good light weight potting soil on top.
The trick is for the humidity to stay on the leaves. You need to go only part way up the sides with the dirt, and leave a lot of space at the top. With a light on top, the enclosed sides cause condensation like the natural moisture out side that help keep leaves well maintained.
Then seed, and if you have a top on it with a light all the more better. The light will give off a little heat and light for plant growth. But your size will be limited on what you can grow. Also some veggie seeds need a temp of 75-80 degrees to sprout.
Some veggies need pollination for some types of plants such as peppers. etc... Some people pollinate them with a light swipe of a paint brush. Some things may do well with out all the fuss.
It would be interesting to see some of the low growing flowering thyme in a fish tank. Ad a small fake bird house, mushroom bird etc...
P.S. Another way to help keep moisture in the leaves is to place your plant between the curtain and the windows. But consider the temp that your plant needs to thrive.
Just keep them cold by putting them in the fridge, or in the basement, but not in the garage, as it get's to cold for them. At least I was told to do that. Also yes, you can start them inside, about 8 weeks before the last frost. Good luck, Darlene
By all means keep them. I buy a basketfull of seeds at the end of summer and always use them the following spring. When the dollar store is putting out seed packets at 2 cents apiece you can't go wrong. I also dry out my zinnia, cosmos and other assorted blooms when deadheading my flower bed and put the seeds in a plastic container for next year. Just make sure they stay dry (usually a shelf in the garage) and you're good to go next season.
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