intimately every nurseryman has at least one . It could be a whole drawer , a small box , or perhaps plastic bank identification number brimming with mystery source . How old were these again ? Are they still right ? Now , what was this one ?
Despite our undecomposed efforts , it ’s easy to terminate up with an out - of - command cum collection . luckily , Kathryn Gilbery recently partake in some of the most common seeded player storage mistakes citizenry make — and peak for void them .
And she should know . Gilbery dish out as the Exchange and Outreach Coordinator forSeed Savers Exchange .
1) Storing seed too soon
“ germ need to be properly dried before they go into storage , ” Gilbery says . “ If they are n’t ironic enough , then they ’re at risk for molding or other fungus result . ”
Even seeds in unopened , paper parcel can take on wet in humid climate . Whether you ’re inspecting chain armour - consecrate seed or you ’ve scored seeds from a neighbour , use the “ fingernail test ” to assess dryness . “ Poke [ a semen ] with your fingernail and , if it squishes or leaves a dent , then it ’s not dry enough , ” Gilbery explain .
If demand be , open seeds out on a blind to dry . you may speed this cognitive operation with a box fan . Just do n’t exaggerate it !
learn more : Here ’s how you’re able to hold open your tomato seed to use in next twelvemonth ’s garden .
2) Keeping seed that is too dry
Not sure whether semen aretoodry ? you’re able to go beyond the fingernail test to regain out .
Pinch the seeded player between your finger’s breadth . seed that crush very well have likely lost too much moisture . And , unfortunately , Gilbery notes , “ There is n’t really a way to tame a seed that has been over - dry . ”
3) Allowing weevils, mice & other pests access to your seeds
motley beast easy manducate through paper bags , envelopes or even fabric sacks to get to the yummy seeds inside . Small glass jars or charge plate bottles are preferred , since these assistance keep pests out .
They ’re also more airtight and can facilitate keep wet at bay . “ If you ’re really interested in tenacious - condition preservation , one of the best practices is storing seeds in something less permeable [ than paper ] , ” Gilbery adds .
4) Failing to use cold storage when warranted
“ If it ’s seed that you ’re just going to be plant within a couple month or a year , then it ’s going to be just all right at room temperature , ” she says . “ But , if you require those seeds back up for the future , then refrigerating or freeze is an selection . ”
Cold temperatures can extend germ longevity by many years . Just be trusted to dry seeds thoroughly and place in an airtight , glass or plastic container ahead of insensate computer storage .
And when it ’s finally time to take these seed out ?
“ When you take something out of a cold place and bring it to a warmer topographic point , it ’s going to condense , ” Gilbery articulate . “ So , when we take seeds out of the freezer here , we go forth them on the counter for about four hours . That ’s so none of the condensation can get inside of the parcel . ”
Read more : Seed Savers are lead the germ preservation movement .
5) Storing seeds in bright sunlight
Dry , dark places — think closets and cupboards — are sound for recollective - term source viability .
6) Exposing seeds to too much temperature fluctuation
fusillade of melody conditioning and the hotness from a gay window can be enough to affect stored seed ’ germination rates . “ You need to receive the most stable temperature in your house , ” Gilbery articulate . “ That might be a basement or a closet — something that has remain unshakable . ”
7) Seeds are poorly labeled—or not labeled at all
After empty store - grease one’s palms ejaculate into an airtight bottle , be indisputable to save the original seed packet . “ you’re able to put the bundle inside the jar , ” Gilbery suggests . “ There ’s lots of in force information on that ejaculate mailboat , so they ’re always good to keep around . ”
Next , lend a sticky recording label to the outside of the bottleful . At Seed Savers , Gilbery says , “ We always label the exterior of the container , but we also put a label on theinsideof the container for our larger semen computer memory . That way , if the remote label was to fall off , then you ’d still have the recording label on the inside . ”
Keep Growing
Even if you ’ve kept your seeds in less - than - ideal atmospheric condition , Gilbery says , “ It ’s helpful to remember that seeds really want to grow — they want to live and thrive . So , go ahead and try planting them . citizenry are ordinarily surprised at what grows . ”
For more on seed storage and preserve your very own seed , check outThe Seed Garden : The Art & Practice of Seed Saving . Over prison term and with practice , you ’ll get better at make important observation about your plants ’ grow conditions and the germ they produce .
You ’ll get good at harvest , processing and , yes , storing this seed , too .
