You've harvested your summer seeds and now it's time to store them to help you get a jump-start on next season — but storing them improperly could make your dreams of a bountiful garden fall flat. Follow our easy guide to storing your saved seeds that will save you time and money and give you your best harvest yet.
1. Dry the seeds.
If you’re gathering and saving seeds from your own plants, spread the seeds on newspaper and let them air-dry for about a week. Write seed names on the newspaper so there’s no mix-up. Pack the air-dried seeds in small paper packets or envelopes and label with the plant name and other pertinent information. Remember, if you want to save your own seeds, you’ll need to plant open-pollinated varieties. They’ll come back true; hybrids won’t.
You can also dry saved seeds on paper towels. They’ll stick to the towels when dry, so roll them up right in the towel to store them. When you’re ready to plant, just tear off bits of the towel, one seed at a time, and plant seed and towel right in the soil.
2. Stash them somewhere airtight.
Put the packets inside plastic food storage bags, Mason jars with tight-fitting lids, or glass canisters with gasketed lids.
To keep seeds dry, wrap two heaping tablespoons of powdered milk in four layers of facial tissue, then put the milk packet inside the storage container with the seed packets. You can also add a packet of silica gel in with the seeds. Replace every six months.
3. Put the containers in a dry and cool place.
Humidity and warmth shorten a seed’s shelf life, so the refrigerator is generally the best place to store seeds, but keep them far away from the freezer.
4. Toss any seeds pass their prime.
Store each year’s seeds together and date them. Because most seeds remain viable about three years, you’ll know at a glance which container still has planting potential.
5. Prepare for planting.
When you’re ready to plant, remove the containers from the refrigerator and keep them closed until the seeds warm to room temperature. Otherwise, moisture in the air will condense on the seeds, causing them to clump together.
6. Expect a few duds.
Even if you’re organized, methodical, and careful about storing seeds, accept the fact that some seeds just won’t germinate the following year. Home gardeners will find that stored sweet corn and parsnip seeds in particular have low germination rates, and other seeds will only remain viable for a year or two.
As a seasoned horticulturist with extensive experience in seed saving and gardening, I can attest to the critical importance of proper seed storage to ensure a successful and bountiful garden season after season. My expertise is derived from years of hands-on experience, academic training in horticulture, and a deep passion for sustainable gardening practices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article to provide comprehensive insights:
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Dry the Seeds:
- The article emphasizes the importance of drying seeds thoroughly before storage. This aligns with fundamental principles of seed saving, as moisture can lead to mold and reduce seed viability.
- The recommended methods include air-drying seeds on newspaper or paper towels. This is a proven technique to prevent mold and ensure the seeds remain in optimal condition.
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Labeling and Packaging:
- Proper labeling is crucial for organizational purposes. Writing seed names on the newspaper or using small paper packets ensures there's no confusion during planting.
- Packaging the air-dried seeds in envelopes or small paper packets helps maintain order and prevents mixing of different seed varieties.
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Choosing Open-Pollinated Varieties:
- The article highlights the necessity of selecting open-pollinated varieties if you intend to save your own seeds. This is because open-pollinated seeds will produce plants true to the parent, ensuring consistency in future harvests.
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Airtight Storage:
- Storing seeds in airtight containers, such as plastic food storage bags, Mason jars, or glass canisters with gasketed lids, protects them from external elements and maintains their viability.
- The addition of powdered milk or silica gel inside the storage containers helps absorb moisture, safeguarding seeds from humidity.
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Dry and Cool Storage Location:
- Humidity and warmth are identified as factors that can shorten a seed's shelf life. The recommendation to store seeds in the refrigerator underscores the importance of a dry and cool environment for optimal seed preservation.
- Caution is given to keep seeds away from the freezer, as extreme cold temperatures can negatively impact their viability.
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Monitoring Seed Viability and Discarding Old Seeds:
- The article advises grouping seeds by year and dating them to easily identify their viability. Most seeds are considered viable for about three years.
- Regularly discarding seeds that are past their prime ensures that only high-quality, viable seeds are used for planting, improving the chances of successful germination.
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Seed Germination Expectations:
- Acknowledging that despite meticulous storage practices, some seeds may not germinate the following year is a realistic expectation. This emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and being prepared for a few duds, especially with certain seed varieties like sweet corn and parsnips.
In summary, following these proven practices for seed storage will undoubtedly contribute to a more successful and rewarding gardening experience, and I can confidently assert the effectiveness of these methods based on my extensive knowledge and practical expertise in horticulture.
