Seeds are living things. For the embryonic cells to survive for long periods of time, they need to be stored properly. If these seeds were simply stashed inside the filter, then an envelope, then a box....inside your garage with probable fluctuation in temperature and relative humidity, then I think you'll be quite lucky if you see any germination.

Each seed contains the 'resting' plant embryo. We want to store those seeds so that they remain quiescent until we're ready to plant them. For dry seeds, this usually means that we allow them to dry out, then store them in an air tight container, in a uniformly cool (or cold), dark location. Different species have their own storage limitations. For example, gomphrena can survive well for 3 or so years IF STORED UNDER GOOD CONDITIONS. I believe that cleome seeds have a much shorter storage life, even under ideal conditions.

Home harvested gomphrena will usually include the chaff of the dried flower heads. They are harder to clean than, say, marigold or zinnia seeds (which are larger).

Be sure to let us know how all of your 'found' seeds performed! One thing is certain about gardening: it is never short of surprises. That's for certain.

what does it matter ..

insert in or on mother earth ..

and they will sprout or they wont ...

rhiz is spot in .. its all about how they were stored ...

ken