Every year store bought veggie seeds get more and more expensive. They make it sound like the seeds will be dead by next year. This is a fib to get us to buy more seeds! Yes plant seeds can die if they are years old or are stored improperly. The chances of having a few dead seeds in a packet goes up with each year. So far I have had over 98% of the seeds sprout even after they were bought three years ago!
Just be sure to store them in a dry dark place and to reseal any partially used packets. To save money I shop for garden seeds in late summer to fall when the seeds go on sale for over 50-75% off. I use them the next spring which is only a few short months away. This saves a ton of money on store bought seeds!
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My home town had a seed swap a couple of weeks back. We were able to attend and WOW, did we get the seeds we were looking for and then some.
To acquire new and unusual plants, most city run parks will give you seeds if you ask. Just tell the gardeners (when you visit the park) what seeds you want.
