I think a semi-reliance on book reference comes from not growing up on a farm, missing formative childhood experiences like playing with a freshly severed cow’s head on the gangway to the barn as the local butcher does a housecall to prepare some family food right on the spot (story from a farm-raised friend). That way, you gently learn that things are what you see, not what people tell you they should be! (Life-long farmer Bob never reads research, he does read instructions, like how to assemble the new sand spreader delivered in 65 pieces. From reading, I’ve come up with stuff that he didn’t know, but I can’t see him failing at the same things just ’cause he didn’t read, he’d likely figure it out…!)

The other concern, though, is that less viable seed may result in weaker, less vigorous plants… Uh-oh. Always something!

Anne: The seed viability chart I’ve been using is from a book called Seed Sowing and Saving (Carole B. Turner; Storey Publishing). No particular reason, except that it’s easy to flip to at the back of the book, and I tend to trust Storey publications, they’ve been on point so far. But they’re only starting points, and like everything else in books, I’ve found you’ve really gotta look around if you want a measured opinion, ’cause they seldom all agree on ANYTHING. For example, here are three online viability charts: Seed-Storage Times and Viability, Seed For The Garden, Easy Seed Germination (short chart, scroll down). They all more or less agree on quite a few veggies, but then you have, say, spinach, which lasts 1, 3, or 5-6 years, depending on the chart (my book says 5, and my experience agrees with at least 3 no problem). So much for second (and third) opinions… I’ve found that books are good to the point where you use their advice, then you find out for yourself! :)

Maybe you need to add another category, though “Things that seem to last for ever”, inhabited solely by Swiss Chard and Beetroot. I have an ordleplex of Swiss Chard seed that’s going on for 8 years now, living in an ordinary cupboard — no “cool conditions” around here — and still going strong. Still; I have a batch going to seed now, just to get a refresh before it all ends in tears.

I don’t think the seed read the books…