Storing your seeds properly is the best way to get the most out of your purchase. A packet can last you years if stored correctly. Because seeds are living things, environmental factors will cause them to lose their viability. Leaving seeds in the sun or a hot car, forgetting them outside overnight, these are all ways that negatively impact the longevity of seeds. So let’s get into how to store them properly and some environmentally friendly (plastic-free) ways to do so.
1. Keep Your Seeds Cool
Think of a consistently cool place in your house that lacks sun and moisture like, a basement or closet. Seeds can be stored in the refrigerator if they can be kept dry. Freezing seeds in not recommended as any amount of moisture can lead to frost damage. If you’re luck enough to own a climate controlled room, store them there.
2. Keep Your Seeds in the Dark
The sun signals to seeds that it’s time to grow, so only makes sense that the absence of light is necessary for storage. If you’re unable to find a fully dark room, make sure to store your seeds in an opaque container. We love old tin bins for this! Not only does it allow you to repurpose something you might find secondhand, it’s a great way to keep out the light.
3. Keep Your Seeds Dry
Moisture can lead to premature sprouting or molding of stored seeds. Make sure there is no moisture on or in your seed packets before you go to store them. An air tight container is a great way to store seeds, as long as the seeds, and the packet they are in, are dry before placing them in the air tight container.
How Long Can Seeds Remain Viable
Most seeds are viable for around 5 years if stored correctly. Onions, parsnips, and leeks have a shorter viability at around 2 years. Some crops, like agretti are not viable long term.
Plastic-Free Storage Options:
Vintage tin storage bins
Old coffee tins
Glass jars (think about reusing glass jars that once held jam or even pasta sauce)
Old metal containers
Stainless steel lunch box
Chance are you already have everything you need to store your seeds. Be creative when it comes to what you store your seeds in. Keep them in their dry packets, in a cool, dark, dry room of your house (or your fridge). Growing and storing your own seeds is an easy way to make the most of your money spent. Happy growing (for years from a single packet)!