[ellied]

I like to use up past years' seeds rather than throw them out, but for regular things I also plant new ones aswell - probably why I end up with leftovers again   My plan this year is to plant everything I have before buying anything new, including some in wee pots which I can sell on at the carboot sale if they sprout as I have more wee plastic pots than I use regularly so could kill 2 birds and raise a few pennies with any luck

Because I don't have a huge veg garden , or a polytunnel or greenhouse, one pack of runner beans can last me 3 seasons and usually I put 2-3 in per cane so at least one will usually grow and some years I'm heartily sick of beans by August let alone ploughing my way through the frozen ones over winter

[hexhammeasure]

many seed can last several years if stored correctly. there are a few though that become very poor at germinating such as parsnip or onion seeds. That said so long as you have a backup plan there is nothing to lose by sowing them! the same can be said for transplanting any thinnings you make...Assuming you don't want to eat them

[Greenerlife]

The realseeds web site gives loads of information on collecting seeds for use in subsequent years as they grow heritage plants.  Really easy to follow instructions.  i have been growing their "Cherokee Trail of Tears' french bean for about 5 years, saving seeds for the following year.  Some cross pollination has taken place though, so you have to watch it as they morph!  have bought some more seeds from them again this year - lovely company.  i also find that they are much better value than I thought initially as the packets have a lot more seeds in them!  the same can certainly be said of seeds of Italy whose packets are enormous!  I find Mr Etty really helpful in a lovely old fashioned way too.  My Mum bought one 2lb tomato from a french market and saved the seeds from it and we have both been growing them for years now.