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In a recent blog we posted, I talked about different plants that can be grown during the fall season. In there I spoke about different temperatures that the plants best grow at. But what happens when you have seeds to plant but the weather just isn’t right for them to be planted? Well let me see how I can help you.
When you are ready to collect your seeds, make sure you get them from healthy plants. It is highly important that you collect healthy seeds to store. If not, you’ll have wasted time trying to preserve seeds that won’t grow. Always pick from healthy fruits or vegetables, don’t waste time with ones that are already began to rot.
[image sorce: https://savvygardening.com/snapped-seed-saving-strategies/ ]
After selecting the fruit or veggie that you want to collect seeds from, go ahead and remove the seeds. Thoroughly wash and leave them out to dry. The drier the seed the better it will preserve. It isn’t uncommon to let it dry for a couple of days.
[Image source: https://talkinghydroponics.com/2017/08/05/storing-seeds/ ]
While you are waiting for your seeds to dry, time to pick out the storage spot. This usually is determined by how long you plan on preserving the seed for. If you are looking for something short term, couple of months to a year, a dry cool storage room or refrigerator works perfectly. If looking for long term, then a freezer will be your answer. If storing in an open storage, watch out for little critters that may see your seeds as a snack.
[Image source: https://www.echocommunity.org/resources/6e42690c-0ad0-4704-8788-43b9620c1ca4 ]
After your seeds are dry, next you want to get the right container to store them in. If going into a open storage area you can use: ziplock bag, mason jars, or other airtight container. It’s important to make sure you label your containers with the name of the seeds you’re preserving, as well as the date you placed them in storage.
[Image source: http://www.designsponge.com/2010/04/we-like-it-wild-the-seed-bank.html ]
One tip I’ve seen is adding powdered milk to tissue and placing that inside the container. This helps to keep them dry. Used a lot when storing inside the refrigerator or freezer. You can also use silica gel as well. If using silica gel make sure to replace it every 6 months or so.
[Image source: http://www.mechscience.com/seed-drying-process-seed-processing-techniques-drying-with-silica-gel-agricultural-engineering/ ]
When you are finally ready to use the seeds you preserved, make sure to prep them accordingly. If you stored them inside the refrigerator or freezer, make sure that you first let them sit to thaw or reach room temperature.
[Image source: https://seeddiversity.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/stop-2.jpg]
What are the different methods that you have used to preserved seeds before? Any seeds that you know of that may require additional steps not covered here? Please let us know in the comment section below.
Informational sources.
http://blog.seedsavers.org/blog/how-to-store-seeds
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706339/how-to-store-seeds/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/storing-seeds.htm
https://www.backdoorsurvival.com/8-tips-for-storing-seeds-for-the-long-term/
