But theres no reason to throw old vegetable, herb, and flower seeds in the trash.
Meet the Expert
Can You Use Old Seeds?
Seeds should remain viable for at least a year after purchase.
Westend61 / Getty Images
This will help you judge if the seeds are still worth planting.
But the vast majority of seed packs you purchase should last beyond the year stated on the pack.
Exactly how long seeds will stay fresh depends, in part, on how the seeds are stored.
Francesca Yorke / Getty Images
However, the viability of seeds is also highly dependent on the seed variety.
Yevtony / Getty Images
Want more gardening tips?
How Long Do Seeds Last?
Yevtony / Getty Images
These general guidelines should help you judge the freshness of your seeds.
If youre keeping seeds in a location where pests are active, rodent-proof storage containers are also a must.
For long-term storage, I recommend storing seeds in an airtight container in the freezer.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
This will preserve most seeds for five years or longer, Lenz explains.
