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Post by cheerypeabrain on Oct 18, 2007 20:32:43 GMT 1
Did you hear about this report...seed from different suppliers were sent for laboratory testing...the results were pretty shocking.
Edwin Tucker Seeds: 99% Delphinium Pacific Giant = dead seed
Unwins : 94% Delphinium Pacific Giant = dead seed
lots of the suppliers sent out dead and 'unhealthy' seeds according to the report which also tested samples from big names like the above, Unwins, Dobies and Suffolk Herbs!
The company that fared best in the trial was T&M! <gobsmackedsmiley>
I'm angry when I think of how much money I spend on seeds..but also a teensy bit relieved....that I have an excuse when things don't germinate!
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 18, 2007 20:44:54 GMT 1
I wonder how much of the seed in the fabled seed bank is viable then? Is our future in doubt?
Is there any explanation why such a huge percentage of the seed isnt viable?
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Post by cheerypeabrain on Oct 18, 2007 21:32:28 GMT 1
according to the article in AG it's failure to meet the tough industry standards...the companies (only 6 out of 15 were deemed to be OK) blaming retail outlets for not storing seed properly...funny that...I store my seed in the fridge, in a large sealed plastic box...got some silici#on crystal packs in there too...but I used to keep seed in a tin in the GH where temperatures veered wildly...used to get LOTS of failures.... ;D
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Post by madonplants on Oct 18, 2007 21:55:23 GMT 1
I keep mine in the fridge too, in a sealed Stork margarine tub. Makes me wonder about some failures I have had in the past, were they down to me or the seeds? I will never know, though will I? Thanks for telling us Cheery.  Keith |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 18, 2007 22:25:02 GMT 1
I think perhaps all the new half hardy annuals and the many new crossbreeds which appear all the time might be responsible for some of those poor performances. I do have failures just like anyone else but I believe sowing the old fashioned types of hardy annuals, biennials and perennials, and sticking to tried and tested varieties of vegetable seeds ensures a better success rate. We do expect quite a lot from seeds too don't we? (And I know that's perfectly proper considering the horrendous cost of them..) We don't really save enough of our own seed either maybe.
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Post by madonplants on Oct 18, 2007 22:50:24 GMT 1
I think perhaps all the new half hardy annuals and the many new crossbreeds which appear all the time might be responsible for some of those poor performances. I do have failures just like anyone else but I believe sowing the old fashioned types of hardy annuals, biennials and perennials, and sticking to tried and tested varieties of vegetable seeds ensures a better success rate. We do expect quite a lot from seeds too don't we? (And I know that's perfectly proper considering the horrendous cost of them..) We don't really save enough of our own seed either maybe. You make lots of sense there, 4P and maybe I am guilty of the bit I have highlighted too much. I have started to be better this year in fact. Normally it's just delphinium and poppy seed I keep, but regulary forget about things like sunflowers, grasses even. Keith |
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Post by mickthecactus on Oct 19, 2007 16:44:38 GMT 1
I'm surprised that T and M were OK.
I've found them pretty poor in the past.
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Post by karenwl on Oct 19, 2007 21:34:04 GMT 1
B & Q seeds are ok i used there Parsnip and Carrot seeds this year and you have seen the results, Suttons are ok ive sown some Cineraria that were 2 years out of date and they have done well.
Thanks for the info cheery i know the suppliers not to use.
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 20, 2007 9:01:24 GMT 1
And I must put in a good word for my lovely Suffolk Herb catalogue! I've used them for the majority of my seeds for years and I can't recall that I've ever had a problem with germination. Chilterns, on the other hand, I've had several packets from them that have been terrible - particularly last year Sanguisorba and Helenium which were both a total waste of time.
Then again, as I said, I buy hardy annuals and wild flowers from SH usually and they are normally tough as old boots and the seeds last for years. Their carrots and GH veggies like Aubergines and Peppers are very good value and always go well.
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Post by debbiem on Oct 20, 2007 9:22:33 GMT 1
So which seed catalogues would everyone recommend to a complete allotment novice please??!!!!  |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 20, 2007 9:27:00 GMT 1
Kings seeds (the veggie's only branch of Suffolk Herbs) are very good value I have found and they have a very good range available.
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Post by debbiem on Oct 20, 2007 9:36:13 GMT 1
Thanks 4P. I'll look them up. |
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Post by karenwl on Oct 26, 2007 20:26:28 GMT 1
We use kings on our allotments i wish i had known this before i ordered all mine from T & M, ive had lots of glowing reports from other members i will be using them next year.
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Post by emseypop on Oct 28, 2007 16:07:28 GMT 1
So which seed catalogues would everyone recommend to a complete allotment novice please??!!!! the orkney seed shop on ebay is good too, especcilly if you want to have a go at some rere seed types, and lots of organic seeds too/ I'd better move my seeds from out of the GH  |
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Post by cheerypeabrain on Oct 28, 2007 16:15:38 GMT 1
I think a lot of it is scare mongering, to try and force the seed companies to maintain high standards. I haven't read the whole report, as far as I can see they only trialled a few varieties...on the whole I've been happy with most of the seeds I've had from various companies. I will continue to use:-
Chiltern Seeds
D.T. Brown's Seeds
Dobies
T&M
Suttons
I generally buy on-line, and will check out Suffolk Herbs as I liked the look of the catalogue (saw it at 4P's YESTERDAY...did I tell you I went to visit 4P and her amazing garden yesterday?...well I did)
;D
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