Question
This is probably the simplest question on earth, but what is wrong with using seeds from a packet that was not prepared for this year?  I know very little about seeds, obviously, but recently came across some packets I had misplaced.  The packet states it was prepared for use in 2003.  Exactly what does this mean, and can they NOT be used next  year?  Thanks a bunch.

Answer
Hi Patti,
Thanx for your question.  Seed packets are required to have a date on them just like food products and medicine.  The reason is that some seeds quickly lose viability if they are not fresh.  Some seeds like beans are only good for about a year.  Others like watermelon are good for 5 years.  Some for 10 or more years.  In general, I have not had a problem with seeds that are only 1 or 2 years old.  I'd say go ahead and use them next year.  I do that a lot because I buy so many seeds and people give me old seeds.  The date is on the packet to let you know what year they were packed for.  Most seeds will be okay if saved for the next season.  I hope this helps.
Tom