Lisanfld: Not that I am an expert on seeds but since no one else has responded I will put my two cents worth in. Don't worry about the seeds still being good this time next year as they will be fine. The germination rate could possibly be lessened depending on the storage conditions that the seeds have encountered but if stored cool and dry they will be fine. I personally have used many seeds that I have stored even 10 years and have had satiasfactory results with good germination rates. Of course we have all heard stories of scientists finding seeds hundreds of years old that have also germinated,... so save and keep planting.

It really depends on what they are. Some seeds are only viable for a few weeks, while others can last for tens or even hundreds of years.

If they are for perennials, they will probably be good until next year. Annuals tend not to last as long, but if you keep them in the fridge, you should still get enough germinating to make it worth keeping them. Herbs and veggies can be all over the map when it comes to longevity. Onion and allium relatives don't keep that well, lettuce and many other greens are also short lived, but tomatoes, eggplants and peppers can last for many years.

In any event, keep them and give them a try. I found some lettuce seeds once that were at least six years old, and I had a germination rate of at least 50%. I've also had one year old tomato seeds fail. You never know :-)

Next year I would start at least some of the seeds in a wet coffee filter (placed in a ziplock baggie). Check daily, and transfer any germinating seeds to your seed trays. This way you can see what the germination rate is like, and if it is a complete failure, you will know early on and have time to buy some new seeds.

BP