Ususally seed packets have a year they are "packed for", not a "sell by" date. They may be a year or more old but still have an acceptably high germination rate. Your seeds with a sell by date of November 2008 should be fine. Vegetable seeds vary in the length of time they remain viable. Except for a few, such as onions and parsnips, most are good for several years.

Jim

I've planted seeds that were outdated by 4 or 5 years. As long as they were kept dry they should be fine. Some of the discount retailers like Dollar Tree, etc. routinely sell last year's seeds. If they are very old, I usually sow them more thickly because germination isn't quite as good. If too many come up, thin.

Thanks for your responses. This is only my second attempt at starting from seed (first attempt a few years ago was a disaster). So if it doesn't work then I know it is probably user error, rather than bad seeds.

How many days before you start seeing tiny sprouts from tomatoes and peppers? I'm not sure if I am keeping my seeds moist enough, but last time I think I over watered so I hope I am not underwatering now. I've been spraying until moist once a day, but then last night I realized they were awfully dry so I sprayed again. This morning I added a little tea water to the bottom of the tray.

Most seeds, such as peppers and tomatoes, germinate more quickly if kept at a temperature in the high seventies. A warm location, such as top of the fridge or the water heater, is good. With warmth, tomatoes can emerge in less than a week. Peppers are often slow to emerge though.

You could cover them with plastic wrap to retain moisture until they emerge.

Jim