Hello. I saw this on the Web......

One method to check for seed viability is the water test. Take the seeds and place them in a container of water. Let the seeds sit for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, discard, because they probably will not sprout.
I hope you had a Nice Easter :o))

Good Luck Jackie xx

it depends on what they are and how they have been kept. If they are unopened then give them ago as instructed on the packet. If previously opened then it is up to you. I often try and if they don't germinate then I buy fresh seed of the same plant and reuse the same compost.

if its veg seed sow a few onto damp cotton wool to see if they sprout. if they do then the rest of the pack is viable. Dead seed will also take on water to some extent but then don't sprout.

You don't have anything to lose. Sow them and see.

Thanks all of you. I know about the water test and leaving seeds to soak before they are planted to make them germinate quicker. In water the older seeds all floated. I could see that they were more or less flat. However, and here comes the conundrum! I also tried it with some newer/new seeds and they also floated!!!! I think some trial and error might also have something to do with it. Maybe best not to try it with the brand new ones or nothing would ever get planted!

I've just bitten the Bullet,and sown some out of date annual seeds (various ) from 2020/21/22. All collected from my garden,stored in small envelopes and sealed,so I'll cross my fingers and hope ! Nothing ventured ,as they say ! :o) .