left over seed - how long will it last?

[psuedofarmer]

it appears that i'll have some left over clover.. i typically overseed, but the cost of organic seed is very high so i'd like to induce this seed into hibernation so i can reuse it next year (i do this with most of my garden seeds without problems).

i'm aware that the seed lot is for Spring '05, but i'm guessing that i can put it in a chest freezer and still expect some level of germination next year.

has anyone done this?

pf

 

[johan3400]

The rule of thumb for grass seed and small seed like that is 5% to 10% drop in germination per year of storage. When you put it into a freezer, you reduce the loss of germination by some percent, but I am not sure how much. I sold lawn seed for many years and we frequently had carry over which we retested and sold. I think you will be in good shape.

 

[psuedofarmer]

thx jim - appreciate your insight. most helpful!

pf

 

[Darren]

Clover seed is one that retains a high rate of germination for several years. I've heard it will sell at farm auctions when others won't becasue of its longer viability.

 

[woodlot]

Clover seed must be inoculated to grow. I'm assuming that this seed is pre-inoculated otherwise IT WILL NOT GROW period. I'm going to guess that the expiration date is the date the inoculant will expire. Now, don't go throwing that expensive seed out. next time you want to plant head on down to your local co-op and get yourself some new inoculant and reinoculate. Presto.....good as new clover seed. That seed can be passed on in your will, your great grandchlildren will be able to plant it as long as they reinoculate!

 

[psuedofarmer]

the seed was shipped without innoculant. i did purchase some when i picked up the seed, so i should be all set.

thanks again for the info - i always overseed by practice, but i misread my own hand writing when i determined the amount i needed, so i ordered 2x more than i would typically use, even with my heavy-handed overseeding method.

pf

 

[riptides]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Clover seed must be inoculated to grow. )</font>

Interesting, what is used as an inoculant to start it up again?

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[psuedofarmer]

<font color="blue"> what is used as an inoculant to start it up again? </font>

clover is a legume, a very useful cover crop that serves as 'green manure.' rhizobacteria is used as the inoculant - it specifically helps the clover grow by aiding root growth.


pf

i'll include some more info for those interested:

---

Legumes work in harmony with a group of bacteria (rhizobacteria) that live symbiotically on their roots. These bacteria do the work of taking gaseous nitrogen from the air and "fixing" or concentrating it in pink root nodules which then slough off, adding nitrogen to the soil in a form plants can take up as a nutrient. Properly inoculated legumes can generate up to 300 lb of useable protein-based nitrogen per acre. Inoculating with rhizobacteria also significantly increases top and root growth in legumes, thus increasing organic matter, soil aeration, soil stabilization, etc. Rhizobacteria exist naturally in the soil, but not in sufficient amounts to maximize nitrogen fixation. Other naturally occurring bacteria compete with nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria for a home on legume roots. It is important to inoculate (coat the seed) to insure a high level of viable rhizobacteria when the seed germinates. The Right Inoculant: Many of the legumes we provide are preinoculated with the correct rhizobacteria and a protective coating. For "raw" or un-inoculated legume seed, we highly recommend you purchase the appropriate inoculant. There are different strains of rhizobacteria which work only on specific seeds. It is best to use inoculant every time you plant that legume, even if you've inoculated in that soil area before. Since the bacteria is alive, it has a definite shelf life and should be used prior to the expiration date on the package. Use new inoculant when in doubt.

It's easy! Put the seed in a bucket or barrel, moisten it a little with water or milk so that the inoculant will stick to it. Then sprinkle the inoculant onto the seed and mix thoroughly until the seed gets well coated. The seed will turn black when you have covered it enough. You cannot use too much inoculant. Cover the seed when you are ready to plant and do not leave the inoculated seed in the sun.