You obtained some rare seeds and are looking forward to saving them. Perhaps you found a significant sale or participated in a seed exchange and acquired a few packages.
And then it is remembered that planting is months away.
Proper seed storage is essential to protect your finds and ensure the viability of your seeds for the right planting time. Storing seeds for two years or less requires minimal effort. A cool, dark, dry, and pest-free spot is sufficient.
Keep them in cool conditions
Seeds should be stored in a cool and consistently temperatured area, such as a cold closet, basement, or a north-facing room. Freezing is unnecessary for short-term storage, but if desired, seeds can be refrigerated as long as they and the refrigerator are dry.
Ensure the area remains dry
Seeds need water and favorable temperatures for germination. To prevent sprouting or molding, store them in a non-humid place and ensure they are dry before sealing in a container. Moisture is crucial when freezing or refrigerating seeds. Excess moisture can cause rot or frost damage. When storing in the refrigerator or freezer, use an air-tight container and start with properly dried seeds. If saving your own seeds, follow appropriate seed-saving procedures for optimal dryness.
Before storing your seeds, make sure they are dry. If you’re unsure, do a bend v. snap test. If the seed cleanly snaps in half or shatters, it’s dry enough for storage, including in a freezer. But if it bends or smashes, the seeds need further drying before storage.
Take measures to ensure seed protection
Plants can attract pests, such as critters, rodents, and bugs. Pests also like to eat seeds that are waiting to be planted. To prevent this, store your seeds in a pest-free area where you can easily monitor them. You can use glass jars, metal containers, or wire mesh for extra protection against invaders.
There is an argument in favor of allowing some space.
You can keep seeds in paper bags, mesh bags, or envelopes in a cool and dry storage area. These containers allow moisture and heat to escape. It’s a good option when unsure about the seed’s moisture content. However, you should still protect the seeds from pests.
Certain seeds do not last long in storage. Crops such as carrots, parsnips, onions, and leeks have a reputation for being short-lived. Freezer storage is optimal for these seeds, as storing them in room temperature or near it will cause them to lose their ability to sprout and develop quickly.
By implementing these precautions, you will have the opportunity to sow your seeds at a later time and witness their growth.