Seed storage and seedling mix concern

llama momma wrote:I'm not impressed this year with germination/vigor from my stored seeds from last year's expensive heirloom tomato (2013)packets. Last year fresh from the packets they did great.  The unused seeds went in the fridge in a jar individually stored in tiny zip lock bags with rice to absorb moisture and must admit so far they are not as vigorous as seeds sprouted fresh from other new packets bought this year.  Maybe I'm expecting too much germination success from stored seed?   I'm stating this as a general overall observation, without getting into all the possibilities why.  Just wondering if this is normal for you too. 

Maybe I need to entertain the idea I might be spoiled from too many other SFG successes  

llama momma wrote:I'm not impressed this year with germination/vigor from my stored seeds from last year's expensive heirloom tomato (2013)packets. Last year fresh from the packets they did great.  The unused seeds went in the fridge in a jar individually stored in tiny zip lock bags with rice to absorb moisture and must admit so far they are not as vigorous as seeds sprouted fresh from other new packets bought this year.  Maybe I'm expecting too much germination success from stored seed?   I'm stating this as a general overall observation, without getting into all the possibilities why.  Just wondering if this is normal for you too. 

My second complaint today is bag of Johnny's 512 seems to have excessive little chunks of junk which flies in the face of paying for a good quality finely screened medium for germination. I'm pulling out little pebble like things and twiggy things and its not how I remember the last bag from last year.  I think a friendly call to Johnny's is next. 

Maybe I need to entertain the idea I might be spoiled from too many other SFG successes  


I am having a similar problem as well with the seeds.  Some of my tomatoes that I purchased last year are ending up at a germination rate of 50% after being a year old and am a little suspect on how long they have been stored before they package them as new.  The seeds I have saved, even though they are 3 years old, are germinating at 70-80% and the first seeds someone sent to me 4 years ago are about in that same range.


I just plant more than I need to compensate for a low germination rate but it is still a LOT cheaper than buying transplants!!!!

Had some issues with Johnny's 512 but it is good stuff and my plants love it.
  

llama momma wrote:Thank you so much Floyd for your input. 
I'm typically a mellow person but at times I get tired of suspect purchases that skimp on quality.  The more decades I slide through the more it becomes prominent.  Suppose saving my own seed is the next step of learning in the garden journey.  Wonder who knows of a good book or who frequents a good website perhaps?

Plantoid that's interesting how things are done over there.  For example, Johnny's Select Seed has germination percentage right on the package of Anise Hyssop, and the germination date plus lot number.  Baker Creek packet of Chinese red noodle beans has the minimum number of seeds, Packed For (date) and Sell By (date) with lot number.  A two year old pack of lettuce from Burpee has Origin of country plus the pack for, and sell by date.  I don't know what kind of laws if any are pending over here like what you mentioned over the pond. But I suspect we have room for improvement.