On Monday, May 26, 2014 9:30:48 PM UTC-7, SteveB wrote:
My wife is the daughter of a depression baby, and has a sometimes bad

habit of keeping things she should throw away.



We planted some Bush contender string beans last year, nice germination

time, and great growers and producers right into frost.



We had seeds left over, which she kept in a plastic ziploc in the garden

shed, temps sometimes very hot, and then through a freezing winter.



This year, it seems they to be taking a long time to germinate. Is

there a good estimate of how long seeds are good for? I would say to

buy just enough for what you need each year, but perhaps you find a

strain that you really like, and don't know if they will carry that at

the seed store next year.



And tips on storage from season to season would be appreciated.

NOT in garden shed, subject to temperature swings!!!

In refrigerator or freezer. Double plastic bags VERY tightly sealed to protect against moisture. Point opening of outside bag to bottom of inside bag.

How long since beans planted, compared with last year germination time? Weather conditions comparable? Warmth of ground matters.

How long is it taking for seeds of OTHER plants **with comparable germination times?**

If any seeds left above ground, try the old gimmick of spreading them between paper towels kept continually most. Should find out within +- a week if viable.

Good luck.

PS - Not to get into your domestic scene, but -- with respect - WHO decides what "should" be thrown away is a risky call...

HB