Maya Ellison
Proper seed storage is essential to ensure that seeds remain viable for use in future growing seasons. While seeds can be saved in plastic bags, there are several factors to consider, including the type of seed, the storage environment, and the desired storage duration. Plastic bags are convenient for mailing seeds and short-term storage, but they should be kept away from direct sunlight and placed in a controlled environment to prevent damage to the seeds. Additionally, removing as much air as possible from the bag before sealing helps extend the seeds' lifespan. For long-term storage, seeds should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place, using airtight containers such as mason jars or metal boxes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best use | Short to medium-term storage |
| Pros | Takes less space in the freezer, easy to sort plants, good for mailing seeds to others |
| Cons | Plastic bags trap sunlight, might not be good for keeping seeds in the dark |
| Other considerations | Remove as much air as possible, double-check for moisture, add rice grains or desiccant packs to absorb humidity |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags are good for short-term storage
Plastic bags are good for the short-term storage of seeds. Small zip-top plastic bags are ideal for mailing seeds to others and protecting them from the elements. However, for long-term storage, it is recommended to place them in a jar or treat them like paper envelopes. Plastic bags should never be placed under direct sunlight as even a short period of exposure can kill or damage the seeds.
When storing seeds, it is important to maintain the dormant state of the seed. Temperature, light, and moisture are some of the most important conditions to control. Seeds should be stored in airtight containers to protect them from unwanted moisture, light, and pests. Plastic bags can be used for short-term storage by ensuring that excess air is removed and no moisture is trapped inside before sealing.
It is also important to keep seeds cool and dry. Plastic bags can be used to store seeds in their original packets or envelopes, and then placed inside a controlled container like a Tupperware or metal box. This helps to maintain the dryness of the seeds and protect them from humidity.
Additionally, plastic bags can be useful for conducting germination tests. By placing seeds on a damp paper towel, rolling it up, and placing it inside a plastic bag, gardeners can create a warm and humid environment to check the viability of their seeds.
Overall, while plastic bags may not be ideal for long-term seed storage, they can certainly be useful for short-term storage and conducting germination tests to ensure the viability of seeds before planting.
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Keep seeds cool, dry, and in the dark
Keeping seeds cool, dry, and in the dark is essential for proper seed storage. This trio of conditions is crucial as it prevents seeds from sprouting and growing. Here are some detailed tips to achieve these conditions:
Keep Them Cool:
- Maintain a cool temperature: While seed banks are kept extremely cold (around -1°F), your goal at home is to pick a spot that stays consistently cool throughout the year. Most homes are already maintained at a suitable temperature (around 70°F).
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Seeds are living things, and exposing them to extreme heat or cold can kill them. Avoid placing seeds in areas that are too hot or too cold, such as directly above a heater or in a freezer.
Keep Them Dry:
- Use airtight containers: Store seeds in airtight containers like mason jars, metal containers, or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. You can also use plastic bags, but ensure they are not placed in direct sunlight.
- Absorb excess moisture: If using a container that is not fully airtight, such as a plastic bag, include rice grains or desiccant packs to absorb excess humidity.
- Properly dry seeds before storage: Before placing seeds in airtight containers, ensure they are thoroughly dried.
Keep Them in the Dark:
- Avoid direct sunlight: Do not expose seeds to direct sunlight. Sunlight can quickly kill or damage seeds, even in a short period.
- Choose opaque storage: Use opaque or dark-colored containers that block light. Alternatively, store containers inside dark cabinets, desk drawers, or other spaces that do not receive direct sunlight.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively keep seeds cool, dry, and in the dark, maximizing their viability and longevity.
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Plastic bags should never be placed in direct sunlight
Plastic bags can be used to store seeds, but they should never be placed in direct sunlight. This is because plastic bags trap sunlight, and direct exposure for even a short period can quickly kill or damage the seeds inside.
Seeds are naturally dormant until they receive the environmental cues to sprout and grow. These cues are warmth, moisture, and light. Sunlight, in particular, can spur the sprouting of seeds, but it can also cause the natural decay of organic matter. Therefore, it is important to store seeds in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.
When storing seeds in plastic bags, it is also important to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. This helps to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mold and mildew to form and damage the seeds. Additionally, plastic bags should be placed inside another opaque container, such as a jar or Tupperware, to provide further protection from light and moisture.
While plastic bags can be useful for short to medium-term storage, they may not be the best option for long-term storage. This is because plastic bags are not fully airtight, and moisture can still enter and exit the bag over time. For long-term storage, it is recommended to use airtight containers such as mason jars or metal boxes, which provide a more stable environment for seeds.
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Seeds should be properly dried before storage
Seeds need moisture, warmth, and light to germinate, so it is best to store them in the opposite conditions: dry, cool, and dark. The ideal temperature for storing seeds is between 32°F and 50°F, and the rule of thumb is that the temperature and humidity levels should add up to less than 100%. For example, if the temperature is 50°F, the humidity should be below 50%.
There are several methods to dry seeds effectively. One method is to spread the seeds on a surface such as newspaper, cardboard, or a tray, and allow them to air dry for one to three weeks. Another method is to use a sealed glass jar. Place the seeds in the jar and leave them in a warm place for a few hours. If condensation forms on the jar, the seeds are not dry enough and will mould if stored. In this case, dry the seeds for a few more days and retest them before storing.
For seeds collected from wetter or more humid climates, natural drying may not be effective, and the risk of mould is higher. In these cases, alternative methods can be used to dry the seeds. One method is to use dried rice and place the seeds in a paper bag inside an airtight jar surrounded by the rice. The seeds should dry in about two weeks. Another method is to use silica gel. Place the seeds and silica gel in a paper bag inside a jar, ensuring they do not touch, and seal the jar. The seeds should dry in about a week. Lastly, if a small, dry room is available, a portable dehumidifier can be used. Place the seeds in a bowl in the room and turn on the dehumidifier.
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Germination tests can determine how many seeds will sprout
Seeds are living things in a dormant state. They will lose viability with each year, as they naturally degrade over time. The likelihood of seeds germinating and growing decreases as they age. Therefore, it is important to store seeds properly. The best way to keep seeds dry is to store them in an airtight container. This could be a mason jar, ziplock bag, freezer bag, or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. It is important to note that plastic bags should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can kill the seeds.
To determine whether seeds are still viable, gardeners can perform a simple germination test. This involves testing 10 individual seeds from the same batch. First, a paper towel is moistened with a spray bottle, and the seeds are placed on top. The paper towel is then carefully folded over the seeds and placed in a labelled plastic bag. The bag is placed in a warm environment, and the paper towel is kept damp. After 7 to 10 days, the number of seeds that have sprouted is counted, and this number is multiplied by 10 to get the germination rate. For example, if 5 seeds out of the 10 have sprouted, the germination rate is 50%. A rate of less than 70% is considered unreliable, and the seeds should be composted or discarded.
Germination tests are a useful way to determine how many seeds will sprout and can help gardeners decide whether to plant a few extra seeds or not bother planting old seeds at all. By performing this simple test, gardeners can save time and effort and get the most out of their seeds.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can store seeds in a plastic bag, but it is not the best option for long-term storage. Plastic bags are good for mailing seeds or for short-term storage. If you are using a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible and make sure there is no moisture in the bag before sealing it.
Before storing seeds in a plastic bag, ensure they are completely dry. You can also add rice grains or a small desiccant pack to the bag to absorb excess humidity.
Plastic bags are not fully airtight and can trap sunlight, so they should never be placed in direct sunlight. Direct exposure for even a short period can quickly kill or damage the seeds.
Seeds can be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place such as a pantry, cabinet, or desk drawer. Some alternatives to plastic bags include mason jars, glass containers, metal toolboxes, or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
