How To Store Seeds At Home

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Some gardeners do not see the point in storing seeds, because with the onset of spring, you can just go to the store and buy literally whatever your heart desires. However, sometimes seeds of interesting varieties (especially rare ones) are not available for sale, and in this case you have to be content with what you have. And many people collect the seeds of their favorite varieties on their own, respectively, they need to save them safe and sound until spring

What determines the safety of seeds

A huge number of factors affect the safety of seeds. The main indicator of further seed germination is moisture. Seeds characterized by high humidity are capable of germinating quickly during storage, unexpectedly becoming covered with unpleasant mold, or even starting to rot. In this regard, only well-dried seed material is allowed for storage.

To a large extent, the processes occurring in seeds are also influenced by the temperature of their storage. If it is too high, the seeds will begin to breathe more actively, respectively, the reserves of nutrients in them will begin to oxidize much faster. Seeds can only preserve their germination if they are stored in sufficiently cool rooms. During normal storage in warm places, seeds often partially or completely lose their germination. And if you place them on the side shelf at the bottom of the refrigerator, their germination practically does not change.

A light coolness is ideal for storing most seeds, that is, a temperature in the range of twelve to sixteen degrees. But for storing seeds of onions, carrots and asters, cold is required. If possible, it is better to leave them to winter in the country. In principle, the balcony of an apartment is also suitable. As for the seeds of various root crops and salads, low temperatures, on the contrary, are contraindicated for their storage, otherwise they will unpleasantly surprise with early shooting when sowing, which cannot but affect the volume of the crop.

Another important factor for storing seeds is their purity, which means the absence of debris in the seeds that can provoke their rotting. There should not be various granivorous pests in the seeds - they will easily destroy stocks in just two or three months.

As for air, of course, the seeds also need it, but it will be enough and in very small volumes. As a rule, almost all air is removed from the seed bags. However, there is an exception here, too - these are large-sized seeds (legumes, for example). Good air circulation can significantly prolong their life. So for storing legume seeds, unclosed jars or bags placed in a dry place are ideal.

And in order to provide the seeds with deep rest, they should be stored in the dark. They will not need light until sowing, as it provokes seed germination.

How to pack seeds

Metallized bags will be an excellent packaging for better preservation of seed germination. Often this type of packaging is used by foreign manufacturers, and even after the expiration date, the seeds stored in them germinate perfectly. The seeds will be stored in vacuum bags just as well. The most common options are plastic-lined sachets. However, this only applies to sachets hermetically sealed by the manufacturer. If you use them again, the effect will no longer be the same. Seeds in an opened package immediately begin to breathe actively and gradually lose their germination, so they need to be used as soon as possible.

Regarding paper bags, we can say that although they are quite cheap, the shelf life of the seeds stored in them is usually much shorter. Moreover, such packaging cannot guarantee high germination of seeds and, accordingly, decent yields. That's how lucky you are.

Of course, all seeds must be signed, indicating the names of crops and their varieties, as well as the years of collection of seeds.

Where is the best place to store seeds

In principle, you can store seeds at home in any room, with the exception of the kitchen - systematic changes in temperature and humidity in the kitchen will clearly not benefit the seeds. It is quite permissible to pack the seeds collected with your own hands in polyethylene bags or paper. However, in rooms with sufficiently humid air, it is still better to prefer the film - being a serious barrier to moisture, it allows a certain amount of oxygen to pass through, allowing the seeds to breathe. As a rule, seeds are placed closer to the floor, under the bed or in the lower drawers of the cabinets - the temperature is usually lower below than above.

If there are a lot of seeds, then it is best to store them in places with a constantly low temperature - in the underground or in the basement. And to protect them from excessive moisture and mice, the seeds can be placed in small jars, the lids of which can be easily sealed. Silikogel also protects well from moisture - it can often be found in packages from under shoes and bags. This synthetic material is excellent at absorbing moisture from the air. If you put a few grains in jars of seeds, then they will absorb all excess dampness in the shortest possible time.