How to Store Leftover Garden Seeds (2024)

FAQs

How to Store Leftover Garden Seeds? ›

One of the more practical methods for storing small quantities is to place leftover seed in sealable jars or other airtight containers and store in a cool, dark area such as the refrigerator (not the freezer). A layer of powdered milk or uncooked rice at the bottom of the container will absorb excess moisture.

When seeds are stored in sealed containers, ensure that moisture is not trapped within the container; if you see condensation forming inside the jar or container, you may have issues. A refrigerator can be a good option for seed storage that can extend the storage life by several years.

Store seeds in tightly sealed glass containers. You can store different kinds of seeds in individual paper packets in one large container. Keep seeds dry and cool. A temperature between 32° and 41°F is ideal, so your refrigerator can be a good place to store seeds.

Fortunately, seeds are very smart organisms that are meant to store new life through the seasons. If properly stored, all types of leftover seeds will germinate in the next growing year, and many varieties will remain viable for years to come.

Never leave leftover seed packets outside in the garden or garage or in an unheated outdoor shed, because high humidity and dampness will ruin them. A sealed mason jar or freezer-weight ziplock bag is an ideal storage container. Keep seeds dry and in your coolest room. Plan to use them the next season.

Seed germination requires a suitable warm temperature. Both very low and very high temperatures are unsuitable for germination. The temperature inside a refrigerator varies between 5∘C to 20∘C and this is certainly very low temperature. Therefore the seeds kept in refrigerator do not germinate.

Vegetable and flower seeds may be kept for one year without appreciable decrease in germination. Storage may be extended to 10 or more years under proper conditions. Seed moisture and storage temperature are the most important factors in determining how long seed can be stored.

Once your seeds are cleaned and well-dried, package them into airtight containers. Snap top mason jars are excellent for seeds, though glass jars with thicker rubber seals and metal clasps make a better seal for long term storage. Tip: Remember that many seed envelopes can fit inside one jar!

As long as your seeds have been able to dry completely, they can freeze without a lot of damage. Since changes of temperature are gradual outdoors, there is less danger of condensation, and winter air tends to keep the seeds dry anyway. The important thing is make sure that the place stays dry.

Store them

Zip-close plastic storage bags and small glass baby food jars are good. Paper envelopes are fine, too, but they're better for holding seeds for short-term storage, such as until the next growing season, because they aren't air-tight.

What is most crucial for seed storage? ›

Dehydration and dormancy of mature seeds are crucial for storage of seeds.

For long-term storage, place seed packets or bulk quantities of seed in a large, airtight container (such as a mason jar with a 2-piece lid) and store in the refrigerator or freezer. It's very important that the container be airtight to prevent moisture from getting onto your seeds.

One of the more practical methods for storing small quantities is to place leftover seed in sealable jars or other airtight containers and store in a cool, dark area such as the refrigerator (not the freezer). A layer of powdered milk or uncooked rice at the bottom of the container will absorb excess moisture.

One method to check for seed viability is the water test. Take the seeds and place them in a container of water. Let the seeds sit for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, discard, because they probably will not sprout.

Seeds that have been stored in a cool, dry place are generally viable for at least a year past the season for which they were packaged and may be good for up to five years.

Plant the seeds outdoors in the fall, winter, or early spring, and nature will do the job for you! Place your seeds in a small plastic bag with a few tablespoons of moist soil, label it so it doesn't get lost, and place it in your refrigerator (no need to freeze them, 40^oF is the target temperature for most species)!

Temperatures between 35-40° Fahrenheit are optimal for most seed species. Temperature can be difficult for folks who don't have a walk-in cooler or a second fridge in their garage. If you do, great!

Storing Seed

In Colorado, all vegetable and flower seeds will store on a shelf at room temperature for at least one year without significant loss of germination. If there is enough seed for several years, then take further steps to ensure viability.

We organize by botanical plant family, and I'll explain why below. However, if you're beginning and have only a few types of seeds, keep it simple by going alphabetical. You could also file seeds based on the timeframe that you'll plant them — spring, summer, and fall.