I have some leftover vegetable seeds from last year. Will they germinate and grow this spring?

Question:

I have some leftover vegetable seeds from last year. Will they germinate and grow this spring?

Answer:

Most vegetable seeds will remain viable for several years when stored in a cool, dry location.  If properly stored, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, squash, watermelon, eggplant, and radish seeds will remain viable for 5 years.  Snap bean, carrot, pea, pepper, tomato, cauliflower, and pumpkin seeds can be stored for 3 to 4 years.  Seeds of sweet corn and onion remain viable for only 1 to 2 years.