Here’s an organizational task that’s worth the time and effort to complete for your garden. As we move towards spring, you’ll want to organize your seeds.
In the spring, you’re so ready to get started planting. So you purchase your seeds and begin the year’s garden. But maybe you didn’t need a whole packet of zucchini seeds, and so you toss the extras into a pile. And you overbuy seed packets because you’re so excited about your garden. These seeds just sit there unopened.
Spring moves into summer and you like to save your favorite seeds for next year. They get added to the pile. On vacation, you come across a lovely plant that has gone to seed. And you guessed it…you save some to plant in next year’s garden. By now, you have an accumulation of lots of seeds in baggies, jars, envelopes, and buckets.
This is the mess that awaits you as we approach spring. And the process is going to start all over again this year, adding to the chaos. Let’s face it, your seeds are a disorganized mess. Some are nameless and others have been saved without a date. Are they still good to use? You just might have years’ worth of seeds piled high. So, in the confusion, what do you do? Why just buy more new seeds, of course.
I want to help you get your seeds organized once and for all. Follow these Guidelines to get your seeds contained and stored properly.
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How To Organize Your Seeds…
Step 1: Sort
First, sort your seeds to determine what you have. Take an afternoon and grab that pile, bag, or box filled with seeds and sort them. Start by sorting types of seeds. Then look at the dates if marked. Many seeds can be viable for years.
How Long Will Seeds Last…
How long your vegetable and flower seeds last will depend on the type of seed. Many seeds can last for 3-5 years if you have stored them properly. The exception would be the allium family. Onions seeds are viable for only 1 year. Check out this article that shows how long your seeds will last, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs: Seed Charts.
If you are unsure of the age of the seeds, you can do a germination test. Follow the directions in this post to test your seeds: 10 Ways To Get Your Garden Ready For Spring.
Create a list of your seeds so you don’t buy unnecessary seeds for the new season. Get rid of extremely outdated seeds or seeds that did not germinate well if you tested them.
Step 2: Contain Them
Now you need to create a system that will help you stay organized. Here are a few options to help you contain your seeds.
- Envelopes
- Jars-from spice jars to mason jars
- Ziploc baggies
- Miniature boxes
- Metal canisters
- Plastic containers
- Medicine bottles
- Pill sorting containers
The type of container you choose will affect how and where you can store your seeds. So consider how much space you have and how many seeds you need to store to help you decide on the best container for your needs.
Step 3: Store Them
Once you have contained your seeds, you’ll need a larger container to store them in. There are a variety of ways to do this. Find or create a system that is easy to access. What type of container you use will depend on how many seeds you need to store. Here are a few options.
- Plastic storage containers such as a stackable drawer
- Large gallon-size jars
- Vintage containers such as a toolbox, tackle box, or lunchbox
- Shoebox
- Small basket
- Divided tray
- Binder with clear inserts
- Craft containers
- Small suitcase
- Recipe file box
- Photo Album
Keep these tips in mind as you plan for how to store your seeds. Whenever possible, leave the seeds in their original packet so you have the planting details. Be sure to mark the year on your individual packets in the future.
Finally, if your seeds are not identifiable, consider an indoor test grow to see if you can identify the plant once it grows. You could also check with your local Master Gardener program to see if anyone can identify the seeds for you.
I chose a vintage lunchbox and a galvanized container, both with handles, to store my seeds in. This allows me to grab them on my way out to the garden. But with so many options, you should be able to find something that works well for you.
Once you have organized your seeds, you need to be intentional about where you store them. Store your seeds in a cool, dark place to help them stay viable longer. Many experts recommend storing your seeds in the refrigerator and even the freezer. This might be optimal, but let’s be honest here. How many of us have extra space to store seeds in our refrigerator?
So your next best option will be a cool basement, closet, or room where the temperature is controlled and consistent. Humidity is also a problem. If you live in high humidity areas, then adding a drying desiccant to your container is a good idea. You can add dry rice kernels or those little desiccant packets to your large containers to help remove moisture.
Now you have your seeds sorted and organized. You have filed them away in various containers. But what if you have accumulated way too many seeds? Maybe you saved them from your favorite flowers last fall or you found an ‘end-of-the-year sale’ that was too good to pass up. What can you do with all of your extra seeds? Here are a few ways to use up these extras.
What To Do With Extra Seeds…
Host a Seed Swap
Contact all of your gardener friends and invite them to a seed swap. They can bring all their extra seeds and that way each person can share and take. This is a great way to expand the variety of plants you have growing in your garden.
Give as a Gift
Package your extra seeds in attractive envelopes and include them in a gift basket for your favorite gardener. With Easter, Mother’s Day, and Spring Weddings coming up, a Gardener’s Style Gift Basket is a perfect way to share your seeds. Include some gloves, hand-held tools, a gardener’s apron, a gardening magazine, and your seed packs for a perfect spring gift.
Share with Local Programs
Contact your local Master Gardener Program, Elementary School or 4-H to see if they could use the extra seeds. Many of these programs offer members and kids the opportunity to learn about gardening. Sharing your seeds can help reduce their costs.
If you’re a gardener, then having seeds to organize is a given. Keeping your seeds organized and protected is necessary to make the most of your resources. So if it’s been a while and your seeds have become a disorganized mess, now is the time to get them under control. The gardening season will start on a positive foot when your seeds are organized and stored properly.
