2025 - Challenge (seed sowing)

I've just received 71 random packets of seed from Chiltern Seeds - 51 veg and 20 flowers. Normally, I would file them away, with similar seeds eg All cabbage seed packets together. When I want to sow cabbage seeds, I usually sow the oldest ones first, which  is stoopid really as their germination rate will be worse than the fresh seeds. 
This year, I'm going to do it differently - sow some of all the fresh seeds first. Not just that, but I'm going to try to grow every new seed that I acquire - all 71 of the Chiltern seeds and the 11 that I received from SC & JJB in the Seed Swap. That's 82 different seeds I will sow next year.

That's my Challenge to me but you're all welcome to join me.

That’s a lot of seeds. Love it. Did you get many duplicate seeds? as you brought so many.
I’m not going to officially join you, but I do intend on sowing a lot more seeds this year. Lots of with are from seed swap and orders .

No exact duplicates. There were a few of some things - like different lettuces, three carrots. Surprisingly, only one pepper and no tomatoes.
I'll be listing them here as I sow. I've already pulled out a few to sow this week.

According to the packets, these seeds can be sown in December so I'll start with these!
Mustard "Red Giant"
Rocket "Astra"
Rocket, Wild, "Dragon's Fire"
Salad Leaves "Frilly Leaf Blend"
Mizuna
Chervil "Vertissimo"
Daucus carota/Queen Anne's lace/Wild carrot
Lathyrus odoratus/Sweet pea White Ensign & Midnight
Acer griseum "Paper Bark Maple"
Calluna vulgaris -Heather, Ling
Radermecheria sinica.

I'm also going to sow Rhubarb "Champagne" which wasn't part of the Bargain Basement seeds.

Hi,my name is Veggie and I am a seedaholic!

There are worse addictions.

First up - the Acer griseum/Paper bark maple. Chosen because the sowing guidelines suggest sowing the seeds as soon as you receive them. "First soak the seeds for 24 hours. Then sow them and cold stratify. Move to 1-8C for 2-4 months". That'll be the GH as its very cold there now.

Given the "sow when received " instruction I had a rummage in my seed hoard and found 3 packets of Acer seeds from 2022!! They're all being soaked now.
Apparently, the seeds can take up to 2 years to germinate so I'm not expecting to have to worry about where to plant 50 or so maples for a few years.

The Acer seeds have been sown in trays in GH 3 today. Also some Chervil in a pot in the kitchen.
Two down and 80 to go.

First up - the Acer griseum/Paper bark maple. Chosen because the sowing guidelines suggest sowing the seeds as soon as you receive them. "First soak the seeds for 24 hours. Then sow them and cold stratify. Move to 1-8C for 2-4 months". That'll be the GH as its very cold there now.

Given the "sow when received " instruction I had a rummage in my seed hoard and found 3 packets of Acer seeds from 2022!! They're all being soaked now.
Apparently, the seeds can take up to 2 years to germinate so I'm not expecting to have to worry about where to plant 50 or so maples for a few years.

The problem will be trying to find them after a few more successional challenges have wafted through. I've not found a (cheap) label that the writing lasts two years. You're in the right place for some slate labels though.

First up - the Acer griseum/Paper bark maple. Chosen because the sowing guidelines suggest sowing the seeds as soon as you receive them. "First soak the seeds for 24 hours. Then sow them and cold stratify. Move to 1-8C for 2-4 months". That'll be the GH as its very cold there now.

Given the "sow when received " instruction I had a rummage in my seed hoard and found 3 packets of Acer seeds from 2022!! They're all being soaked now.
Apparently, the seeds can take up to 2 years to germinate so I'm not expecting to have to worry about where to plant 50 or so maples for a few years.

The problem will be trying to find them after a few more successional challenges have wafted through. I've not found a (cheap) label that the writing lasts two years. You're in the right place for some slate labels though.

JJB you need this pen https://amzn.eu/d/7ujFZtl 

you can buy them individually, just first link I found. Brilliant and will write on most things and is uv stable. 
I use them all the time and on yogurt pot & margarine tub labels. 
Especially as you’re planning on treating yourself