How to Store Garden Seeds

At the beginning of each new growing season, gardeners review the leftover seeds from the previous year to determine if they are still viable. At the end of the year, they save the leftover seed packets from the spring and the gathered seeds of the season to repeat the cycle again. By storing garden seeds properly, a gardener ensures that the saved seeds will germinate when planted.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cool area
• Refrigerator

How Long to Keep Garden Seeds

1. Store vegetable seeds and annual seeds for 2 to 3 years in a cool area with little moisture.

2. Keep vegetable seeds like beets, cucumbers and radishes for up to 10 years in airtight containers.

3. Replace old asparagus, delphinium or magnolia seeds. They have a short seed life.

4. Plant oily seeds as soon as collected. They do not store well.

Choose Containers to Store Garden Seeds

5. Store garden seeds in unopened, moisture resistant packaging like foil pouches.

6. Keep individual varieties of seeds segregated in separate, clearly labeled containers. This helps to maintain seed strains and purity.

7. Sow seeds in beds or flats for cold winter storage outside.

8. Use amber vials, or clear vials with foil covers, to store seeds.

9. Label all containers with seed type, variety, year of original parent seed and year of seed in container.

Where to Store Garden Seeds

10. Check the storage requirements for the seeds. Some seeds require constant moisture or they will not germinate.

11. Place seeds outside for storage if the winters are cold enough for a long enough period. Avoid exposing the seeds to multiple temperature fluctuations.

12. Keep seeds outside on the north side of the house away from the sun and drying winds. Place them in a cold frame or green house for additional protection from the elements.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy quality seeds from reputable seed companies for successful seed storage.