Saving Garden Seeds

Saving garden seeds can save you money and allows you to have your favorite garden items the next year. Whether you have leftover seeds, or you’re not ready to plant right away, storing them properly is important to ensure germination happens when planted later. Save seeds for years to come with  simple-to-make seed storing ideas. 

Ideas from Home made Simple

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Look around your house...you probably already have all the things to make good seed saving storage.

Bags and Envelopes: Ensure dryness and a dark environment by placing seed packets in plastic zipper bags and envelopes before tucking into containers.

Containers: Re-use empty spice or mason jars, lip balm containers, candy or tea tins, medicine bottles, film canisters or a file box with an organized folder system.

Labels: Keep everything organized, and add a touch of fun, whimsical organization with our creative labeling ideas or homemade plant markers.

Silica Gel: This moisture-absorbing substance will help keep seeds dry and can be purchased cheaply at your local crafts store or saved from boxes of new shoes.

Tip: If you can’t find silica gel, wrap a tablespoon of dry rice in a napkin, secure it with a rubber band, then drop it in the container with the seeds.
Tip: While seed tape helps keep your garden tidy and evenly spaced, it’s also a great way to package seeds for easy use next season.

Store seeds in a dry, cool and dark spot such as a chilly basement or cellar.

Seeds typically last a few years, so date the packages and use the oldest first.

If saving seeds from your own plants, spread them out on paper towels or newspaper to air-dry for a few days, then package and store.

Tip: Some seeds are hard to store—because they are delicious to eat! Bake pumpkin seeds,(see blog post 8-3-12 about pumpkin seeds.) roast sunflower seeds, or make salad dressing with poppy seeds.

These medicine containers are awesome for saving seeds.

They come in three different sizes and prices.

http://www.diabetesandmore.com/

7-Day Plastic Stackables Small Multi

Available Discounts Pill Quantity Discount buy 2 to 4, save 10% buy 5 to 9, save 20% buy 10 to 125, save 25% buy 126 to 450, save 30% buy at least 451, save 35% Item #: E67449 Our Price: $6.99

Description                                                        
Now with 7 separate containers, which can be taken apart and screwed back together again.
Bottom of one container is the lid of the next container.
Only one lid at the very top
Color coded & semi-transparent.
Sorry, but not airtight or waterproof
Each compartment is approximately 1 3/9 in diameter x 3/4 inch deep.
Total unit is 6 inches long, 1.5 inches in diameter.

7-Day Plastic Stackables Large

Available Discounts Pill Quantity Discount buy 2 to 4, save 10% buy 5 to 9, save 20% buy 10 to 125, save 25% buy 126 to 450, save 30% buy at least 451, save 35% Item #: E67448 Our Price: $10.99

Description

Now with 7 separate containers, which can be taken apart and screwed back together again.
Bottom of one container is the lid of the next container.
Only one lid at the very top
semi-transparent.
Sorry, but not airtight or waterproof
Large 2.75" diameter X 8.5 Tall
Large pill organizer: The interior of each compartment is approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, 1 inch deep.