Gardening experts have shared simple ways to keep seeds usable past their expiration date and save money.
They said they ignore the “full” date and still see success in the garden after so many years.
A Reddit user shared how they use expired seeds. Credit: Getty
Reddit user BoozeIsTherapyRight shared a cheap gardening hack that will extend the life of your seeds and save you money in the long run.
In a post on their social media platform, they detailed their cost-saving tricks.
One of the first things they shared was that tomato and pepper seeds essentially do not rot.
If there were two plant species that you should have in your home, it would be these two.
“Keep it well,” the Redditor said.
In their case, the seeds are vacuum packed in basements so that no air or environmental conditions can penetrate.
Another way to preserve it is to put it in the refrigerator, which they did.
They said if you follow these methods it will last for years.
They know what they're talking about and have the maturity to prove it.
The following winter, the 20-year-old seeds sprouted.
Germination is the process by which a seed grows into a new plant.
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“The germination rate was over 80 percent,” they explained.
It was explained that while many seeds can be stored for many years after their “packaged” date, some cannot.
According to Reddit users, this includes sweet corn and parsley.
“However, tomatoes appear to be incredibly long-lived,” they added.
While simply storing seeds can reduce costs, the original poster acknowledged that if you are planting large quantities of seeds, seed germination will save you money overall.
He also shared some planting tips to help you get the most out of your sprouts.
First, you start growing seeds in small cell packs.
Then plant it in a Solo cup with a hole in the bottom.
They explained that this is another way to save money.
“Cell packs are reusable if handled with care, as are Solo cups,” they say.
It's called a “bonus” because you can write the name of the plant you've grown on the cup.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space and repel pests
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Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers. Dollar Tree sells a four-pack of seeds for $1.25. To make the most of a small space, try a vertical planter like Amazon's Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter ($35). To keep vegetable-eating bugs at bay, use netting like Amazon's Garden Netting Pest Barrier ($8). Try sacrificial planting to reduce pesticide use and keep pests out of your garden. Intentionally growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can help keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives. For pesky weeds in your garden, Amazon's Grampa's Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles ($45) is a handy tool. You don't have to bend over to use it.
