If you’ve got a packet of parnsip seeds languishing in your drawer from several years ago, think twice before sowing. Some seeds (parsnips in particular) need sowing fresh.
And just so you don’t make any mistakes, here is the Fennel and Fern guide to seed shelf-life.
Sow fresh seeds each year:
Parsnip
Pepper
Scorzonera
Lasts one year:
Broad Bean
French Bean
Leek
Onion
Parsley
Pea
Runner Bean
Salsify
Spinach
Swede
Turnips
Lasts two years:
Corn
Okra
Lasts three years:
Carrot
Lettuce
Radish
Asparagus
Lasts four years:
Beetroot
Broccoli
Brussels sprout
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Kohlrabi
Chard
Tomato
Pumpkin
Lasts five years:
Celeriac
Celery
Cucumber
Aubergine
Turnip
Courgette
Marrow
[...] First, make sure your seeds are in date. Some will last for years, while others need to be bought fresh every year. Here’s our guide to seed viability. [...]