Why Seed Saving Matters

Seed saving is one of the oldest gardening traditions, and it’s growing in popularity among beginners and experienced gardeners alike. By saving seeds, you can:

• Replant your favorite vegetables, flowers, and herbs year after year

• Preserve unique heirloom varieties

• Cut down on gardening costs

• Make recipes: See our Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe below

But here’s the catch: even carefully saved seeds won’t stay viable forever. That’s why many gardeners balance saving seeds with buying fresh seed packets online to guarantee strong germination and healthy growth.

Why Buy Fresh 2026 Seeds Online?

At Bentley Seeds, our 2026 seed packets are now available for gardeners across the U.S. Buying fresh stock means:

• Higher germination rates → fresher seeds sprout stronger, faster, and more reliably.

• Longer shelf life → when stored in a cool, dry place, seeds last 18 – 24 months.

• Nationwide availability → whether you’re in California, New York, Texas, or Florida, we ship seeds direct to your door.

NEW ARRIVAL: Shop 2026 Seed Packets Now for the freshest stock available.

 

How Long Do Seeds Last in Storage?

The lifespan of a seed depends on the type of plant and how it’s stored. On average:

• Lettuce, cucumber, and radish seeds: 5 – 6 years with proper storage

• Tomatoes and beans: 3 – 4 years

• Carrots, onions, and parsnips: 1 – 2 years

• General packets: 18 – 24 months of strong viability

Even if seeds can technically last longer, fresher stock almost always means better results.

Step-by-Step: How to Store Seeds for Next Season

If you’re saving seeds for 2026, storage is everything. Follow these steps to maximize freshness:

1. Dry completely → make sure saved seeds are fully dry before storage.

2. Store cool → a fridge, basement, or cool closet works well.

3. Keep them airtight → use jars or containers with silica gel packs to block moisture.

4. Label and date → mark your packets with year and variety so you know what’s freshest.

5. Avoid sunlight → heat and light reduce viability.

Where to Buy Fresh Seeds Online in the U.S.

Bentley Seeds ships nationwide and offers everything from vegetables and herbs to wildflowers and pollinator mixes. Popular categories include:

• Vegetable Seeds → tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers

• Flower Seeds → sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, cosmos

• Herb Seeds → basil, cilantro, dill, parsley

Ready to refresh your garden plan? Browse All 2026 Seed Varieties Here.

Balancing Seed Saving With New Packets

Smart gardeners do both:

• Save tried-and-true heirlooms they love

• Buy fresh 2026 seeds to fill gaps and guarantee strong harvests

• Add new varieties each year to keep gardens exciting and productive

This strategy ensures you never miss out due to lower germination rates from older seed stock.

FAQs: Seed Saving & Buying New Packets

Q: How long do seed packets last?

Most seeds last 18 – 24 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place.

Q: Can I mix saved seeds with new seeds?

Absolutely! Combining both methods helps preserve heirlooms while ensuring reliable harvests.

Q: Where’s the best place to buy seeds online?

Bentley Seeds ships across the U.S. with fresh 2026 packets, perfect for gardeners in any zone.

Plan Your 2026 Garden Today

Seed saving is a rewarding way to keep your garden going, but nothing beats the reliability of fresh packets. By combining your saved favorites with new 2026 seed arrivals, you’ll have the best of both worlds: healthy plants, strong germination, and exciting new varieties to try.

Don’t wait — Shop Fresh 2026 Seeds Now and set your garden up for success.

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Nothing beats a bowl of classic chicken noodle soup on a chilly day. This easy recipe is hearty, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best homemade chicken noodle soup with egg noodles.

Serves: 6

Total Time: 1 hour

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 8 cups chicken broth or stock
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or thighs
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 oz egg noodles, or your favorite small pasta noodles

Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for about 4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Simmer the chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and add chicken breasts, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and cook until the chicken is tender and easy to shred, about 15 minutes.

3. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, breaking it into small or large pieces depending on your preference.

4. Cook the noodles: Raise the heat and bring the soup to a low boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for 6–7 minutes, or until al dente.

5. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Pair with warm bread, biscuits, or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Why This Is the Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

• Made with fresh vegetables and herbs for a rich, comforting flavor

• Egg noodles make the soup hearty

• Perfect for cold days, family dinners, or when you need a nourishing, immune-boosting mea