3 Steps to Store and Keep Seeds Fresh for Up to 5 Years

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  • čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
  • We get asked all the time how to keep seed viability fresh, and how to properly store them. These 3 ways will allow you to keep them fresh for up to 5 years! Check out our new clothing line! http:www.freshpickedapparel.com

Komentáře • 332

  • @zupants1
    @zupants1 Před rokem +52

    I had bought a bunch of seeds during the last recession. They were all in Mylar bags. I kinda forgot about them until going through my freezer. I was curious and planted a zucchini and squash seed. They both did phenomenal this year and provided us with a ton of food this summer. They were both over 12 years old.

    • @kertmelinda
      @kertmelinda Před rokem

      That's incredible 😻

    • @RobinPurvis34
      @RobinPurvis34 Před rokem +2

      Did you keep them in their packets in the mylar bag or just put like seeds together in them by themselves? Do you use absorbers for them? Thanks!

    • @nicoleendres3976
      @nicoleendres3976 Před rokem +1

      So I should put them in my fridge or freezer?

  • @LuciusKyrus
    @LuciusKyrus Před 3 lety +89

    I keep my seeds in the original packaging, then put them in a ziplock and then into the freezer. I have seeds that are 8 years old and still sprout within days of planting. I do not do anything to them except take them out and put the in the ground and water them. I live in West Central Florida and use compost as well as potting mix to grow in.

    • @ahath2279
      @ahath2279 Před 2 lety +1

      What brand of seeds do you like the best? Thanks

    • @floridarn2123
      @floridarn2123 Před 2 lety +3

      I live in the same area. Good info, thanks

  • @andrewcontreras5528
    @andrewcontreras5528 Před rokem +46

    3:49 1 Dry
    4:36 2 Cool
    5:43 3 Dark
    6:55 Air(optional)
    7:37 Dry(optional)
    10:21 vaccuum seal(optional)

  • @Travelmountainroads
    @Travelmountainroads Před 5 lety +141

    Hi from Washington state. I have saved seeds in plastic bags for years. Haven't tried using the vacuum sealer yet, but will try that. Growing up my mother would use canning jars for all the saved beans, corn and peas. You definitely have to make sure that your seeds are completely dried before packing them away. Otherwise they will mold. I was taught at a young age how to save seeds and how to grow them. It meant either keeping our bellies full or going hungry.

  • @TheSuburbanYardstead
    @TheSuburbanYardstead Před 5 lety +72

    Might be a silly video suggestion but, what does your seed collection look like, Luke?!

    • @mable5987
      @mable5987 Před 2 lety

      Nice question, I'm interested too lol. We are fans!

  • @TalkingThreadsMedia
    @TalkingThreadsMedia Před 5 lety +29

    Gointothedogs2 - believe I can answer your question. The recommended course of action is to bring the frozen jar of seeds to room temperature first -- THEN open the jar. Bringing it to room temperature could take as much as 24 hours. If you immediately open the jar, you risk moisture (condensation) in the seeds. Your seeds will deteriorate much faster.

  • @todmatthews7877
    @todmatthews7877 Před 3 lety +27

    I've been in livestock my whole life. Horses mostly. Got pounded out of that work, needed something to do.
    I can dig holes and build fences like mad. :) not so sharp on growin stuff except hay.
    Of all the true helps I've found on the interweb the last year, this channel here helps the most.
    Nicely and understandably presented, similar climate to me and there's never nothing to look at and learn from. Very much appreciated.
    Peace

    • @snaubdca7yebf
      @snaubdca7yebf Před 2 lety +1

      Look after yourself! Hope you have some rest amidst all that digging and building!

  • @lorettasullivan7724
    @lorettasullivan7724 Před 3 lety +14

    I keep my seed packets sealed in Ziploc bags and sorted as cool/warm weather crops. I then double bag them in a gallon Ziploc, and stash then in my spare refrigerator. I planted 18 Ferry-Morse "National Pickling" cucumbers dated 2005 this spring, and all but two or three came up. I was very surprised! And saved seeds from one plant, since I used up the old ones. Coolness, darkness and dryness are exactly what you need. A vacuum sealer WOULD be nice, though. 👍

  • @ThatgirlinSeattle
    @ThatgirlinSeattle Před 5 lety +53

    Gotta say, that’s the tamest blizzard I’ve ever seen.

    • @MIgardener
      @MIgardener  Před 5 lety +6

      It was hard to see the snow because of how bright it was but it was coming down. We get lake effect here where we could get an inch in less than an hour.

    • @bruceree1574
      @bruceree1574 Před 3 lety +7

      Where I’m from that’s still a mild Monday 😂

    • @LBEmpress
      @LBEmpress Před 3 lety +6

      I'm from Canada, had a good laugh when he showed us the yard 😊😊

    • @melissac3618
      @melissac3618 Před 3 lety +1

      Yup, not even sticking to the ground yet ♥️

    • @leecorrigan8394
      @leecorrigan8394 Před 3 lety +2

      @@LBEmpress Yah that's not a blizzard that's "it's snowing out" at most lol

  • @MrsSmith-vf2vw
    @MrsSmith-vf2vw Před 5 lety +21

    I keep my seeds in ammo boxes, to me, they stay fresh and away from critters! great subject, great video, thanks Luke

  • @idahogal1903
    @idahogal1903 Před 5 lety +8

    Thank you! Stay warm 🙂

  • @cynthiahouse1341
    @cynthiahouse1341 Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you Luke. I have so many seeds I keep them organized in a large CD case that stores in a plastic tote with dries air pellets. So far so good. I really need to downsize. Lol.
    Keep your videos coming. I really look forward to them and have learned a lot.
    My garden last year looked like a jungle it did so well. I can't wait for this year.

  • @kimr4005
    @kimr4005 Před 5 lety +3

    I love saving seeds. I have a huge collection I hope to get to plant out this year.

  • @ChadStocks
    @ChadStocks Před 5 lety +5

    My wife loves the Ziploc vacuum bags since she gets in and out of things so much and they offer a variety of sizes.

  • @FitnessJrny
    @FitnessJrny Před 5 lety

    Thank you so much, Luke! Not only you’ve answered my question in your facebook page but you’ve also made a very informative video! 👍👍👍

  • @BruceLeef
    @BruceLeef Před 5 lety

    So excited I'm placing my order for this year. From your website. Thank YOU.

  • @off-gridsimplyhappyrodriguez

    Hi from Georgia! 💚🍃🌾 thank you for teaching me great stuff!!

  • @treyoro
    @treyoro Před 5 lety

    Thanks for the tips! When i get home I am putting silica gel packets in my seed baggies and into the freezer from the fridge.

  • @ellatinioph
    @ellatinioph Před 5 lety +8

    Thank you for this video. Such a big help! We're creating a module on urban farming for senior citizens and all these information are worth noting. Sometimes, information from actual farmers differ from text-book info so this is a big help. :)

  • @Frank1life2live
    @Frank1life2live Před 4 lety

    Thank you. Brought back lots of pepper seeds from New Mexico to Texas. Now looking to save them. Excellent videeo.

  • @RiverPlaid
    @RiverPlaid Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you for making this video. I got seeds from you and from Baker Creek and have been agonizing over the best way to store them. Of course I searched CZcams, and then I found your video. Thank ya again Luke.🌸

  • @allaboutthatbase4347
    @allaboutthatbase4347 Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks Luke! This video answered my question. I think you’re one of the very few that has this topic. Thanks a lot! I saw your video on planting peanuts. And I was wondering how to save the seeds for next season. I just got my answer!

  • @Citystead
    @Citystead Před 5 lety

    Great tips! I usually store mine in the garage in a dark corner, so far no issues.

  • @ulisesrocha721
    @ulisesrocha721 Před 5 lety +1

    Another great video! I'm your neighbor here in Chicago. Bought myself 3 grow tents and took up gardening last year. Here in my basement apartment. Keep up great work. I need to get around and support you by buying your book, it's on my to do list.

  • @legauxmc
    @legauxmc Před 4 lety +6

    Perfect timing
    Will save the packs I just bought. Do you have a video in getting seeds from current plants

  • @shirleyk623
    @shirleyk623 Před 5 lety +6

    Great tips on seed saving. I'm going to designate freezer space for my seed from now on. The seeds I got from you are great! It's been really warm here in central Florida and all my seeds germinated better than other name brands. I have, lettuce (more than we can eat), nasturtiums, kale, kholarabi, turnip greens and green peppers galore all growing outside. Sorry, I know you are freezing up there. Maybe you would like Florida winters. I enjoy your videos, please keep them coming.

  • @paulmeshak5824
    @paulmeshak5824 Před 5 lety

    Thank you for the response. Know I can't plant yet but I want to.

  • @tjfrost5355
    @tjfrost5355 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the thought provoking video!

  • @jackiehorsley9263
    @jackiehorsley9263 Před 5 lety

    thanks for your tips I really think they well come In handy

  • @michaelbartlett9218
    @michaelbartlett9218 Před měsícem

    Great video, thanks for sharing.

  • @HzFvr
    @HzFvr Před 3 lety +1

    Exactly what I needed to know! Thank you

  • @davidhunt7249
    @davidhunt7249 Před rokem

    Luke thank you for the tutorial. I opted for the mylar bag route for my seeds. They have been stored
    in zip lock baggies for about year and a half now but I'm transfering them to mylar with an oxygen
    absorber.

  • @GrowingAnswers
    @GrowingAnswers Před 5 lety +63

    I vacuum seal my seeds in mason jars and then freeze or refrigerate them. You have be careful though. Pulling a full vacuum will reduce the humidity to near zero and seeds will die in below 7% humidity for prolong periods. Seeds also do breathe so a full vacuum will also potentially kill them as seeds are technically alive.
    Tip on the silica gel...if it’s a reused packet, you need to heat it in the oven at 200 degrees for about 45 minutes to restore them. Silica gel when exposed to air will stop working as it does have a maximum capacity to absorb moisture. In about 24 hours in 50-60% humidity, silica gel will stop absorbing as much moisture. I use silica that is blue and when it’s at full capacity it turns pink.

  • @jansdiy8634
    @jansdiy8634 Před 4 lety

    Thank you for sharing. This was very helpful. 😊

  • @mindy779
    @mindy779 Před 5 lety +7

    This was great information I wiil be ising it in the future. TY 😃

  • @connienewby1321
    @connienewby1321 Před 5 lety

    Very helpful information. Thanks!

  • @CaraNatural
    @CaraNatural Před rokem

    Thank you for all this I’m new to storing and saving seeds so I’m glad to get the essentials of how to keep them best upfront and not be disappointed later!
    One question I have is
    Why do seed packets only say they’re good for that year?

  • @skittles9970
    @skittles9970 Před 5 lety +4

    I use zip-lock baggies with silica gel packs stored in the basement.

  • @marthadueck6461
    @marthadueck6461 Před 2 lety

    I know this video was from 2 years ago buts it’s the best one I’ve listen to. Thanks

  • @rebeccadees2300
    @rebeccadees2300 Před 5 lety

    Thanks... this was a big help. I know I won't be using all the seeds I've ordered since my garden will be small this year as I learn to grow vegetables and herbs.

  • @timmeyer9191
    @timmeyer9191 Před 5 lety

    Very informative video. Thanks. Have a great night.

  • @dudeitsamy1210
    @dudeitsamy1210 Před 3 lety +11

    You're an amazing speaker/communicator, and I love how detailed you get! Super informative.. Great teacher.. Thank you.

  • @nutmegknoll
    @nutmegknoll Před 5 lety

    Really needed this info thanks!

  • @ajg942
    @ajg942 Před 2 lety

    Thanks dude for all the amazing information!

  • @stevemcdermott8263
    @stevemcdermott8263 Před 5 lety

    Thanks Luke!

  • @susanjordan2130
    @susanjordan2130 Před 3 lety

    Thanks Luke.

  • @mikaeelrahman24
    @mikaeelrahman24 Před 2 lety

    I really wanted to know how to store seeds, thank you!

  • @leighniece4482
    @leighniece4482 Před 4 měsíci

    A Big Thank You!

  • @jddirtfarmer3128
    @jddirtfarmer3128 Před 4 lety

    Thank you Luke👍👍

  • @ttschrock7126
    @ttschrock7126 Před rokem

    Great information! Thank you!

  • @ter8330
    @ter8330 Před 3 lety

    A prepper I spoke to vacuum-sealed his seeds kept them in a bin somewhere in his house and planted the seeds after 7 years.... ! Wow!

  • @myrna3333
    @myrna3333 Před rokem

    thank you so much.

  • @brazilian-lady9175
    @brazilian-lady9175 Před 2 lety

    Great information. Thank you

  • @okie2399
    @okie2399 Před 2 lety

    Thank you sir

  • @jtharp9265
    @jtharp9265 Před 2 lety

    Great informative content - Thank u .Mrs. Josette. Montgomery County, Texas 🙏🏻

  • @offgridsweden
    @offgridsweden Před 5 lety

    Awesome tips man. Have an amazing weekend, Andreas 🇸🇪

  • @Greeny22
    @Greeny22 Před rokem

    Wicked five years. Sweet I just needed to know about this winter

  • @emilyyager
    @emilyyager Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the info!

  • @mable5987
    @mable5987 Před 2 lety

    Mlgardener you're my most favourite! You just know everything!! ❤️❤️

  • @PNW_R.N
    @PNW_R.N Před 5 lety

    Very informative! Thank you!

  • @juggiefy
    @juggiefy Před 5 lety +1

    When are you starting your seeds for your low tunnels? That would be a great video.

  • @healthyshorts8601
    @healthyshorts8601 Před 2 lety

    Thanks!

  • @HH-iv6mf
    @HH-iv6mf Před 4 lety

    Hello from Florida!!!! Awesome video🐧🌷🌷🌷🌷

  • @kdramasinpajamas9358
    @kdramasinpajamas9358 Před 5 lety +1

    great video. I really didn't even give a thought to how I was storing my seeds prior to planting. I sometimes start buying seeds in Dec, even if I know I can't start planting til March or June... So when the seeds come in, I just stack them on my desk next to my computer monitor(which happens to be in my sometimes hot/humid kitchette). Oops. Putting my seeds in a jar, right now. lol.

  • @a.c.6361
    @a.c.6361 Před 5 lety

    You are better than google always informative. I heeded your instructions and I will see what happens to this year's remaining seeds next year.

    • @MIgardener
      @MIgardener  Před 5 lety

      Well thank you! That means a lot!

  • @God420Crush
    @God420Crush Před 5 lety

    Great content as always!

  • @Revrett
    @Revrett Před 5 lety +1

    Great video and just what I needed to hear. I am getting little to no germination in my seed starts and I found out that I have not stored my seeds well at all. I am placing an order on your website now to get fresh seeds. Thanks.

    • @MIgardener
      @MIgardener  Před 5 lety +1

      Better to learn now then later.

  • @oliveostrich903
    @oliveostrich903 Před 2 lety

    Thank you 💗

  • @lockwoan01
    @lockwoan01 Před 5 lety +5

    Useful tips. Of course, in my case, I got my seed, in their packets mind you, stored in a number of simple plastic tackle boxes - the kind you'd give to a kid just learning how to fish - put of over my dryer, right near my back door, which should do the trick.

  • @rudy52350
    @rudy52350 Před 5 lety

    Great , great video . Thanks ....

  • @TexasRy
    @TexasRy Před rokem +1

    Thanks for great video, really covered a lot of ground 🙂 How long do you have once you have pulled seeds out of the freezer? I'm thinking "If power goes out and the fridge starts to heat up", should I look to plant these seeds inside/outside soon otherwise the heat/humidity starts rising?

  • @arunaram8321
    @arunaram8321 Před 3 lety

    I love farming, Actually I‘m searching for a good farming tips, finally I saw a pretty farmer🤩 with good tips here, which stops me here and subscribed ur channel😜

  • @SandcastleDreams
    @SandcastleDreams Před 5 lety +20

    I've got some celery seed that I believe got wet! I was on my way from the kitchen and felt the beginnings of a sneeze coming on and was trying to get back to my desk so I could set the coffee cup down. Well, my coffee cup was about 6" away from the desk when I had one of the most powerful sneezes! Coffee sloshed everywhere! And the seed packets I had sitting out hoping to plant....I didn't even realize that any of them had gotten coffee splashed on them until the next day.
    So, the envelope got wet, I don't know if the seeds got wet...LESSON never keep your seeds near your coffee cup!

    • @davej7458
      @davej7458 Před 3 lety +1

      Don't take the whole seed package out to the garden or to the planting table. Way to often a whole package will pick up moisture or even get realy wet. If you taken out about what you expect to use and a few extra get wet you haven't lost alot. If the few extra are still dry they can go back in storage.

  • @ecocentrichomestead6783
    @ecocentrichomestead6783 Před 5 lety +2

    LOL, I should send you a picture of a real blizzard! Sorry, Canadian on the windy east amused by the American!
    With the Ziploc bag, one can zip it almost close, suck the air out by mouth, then finish the close.
    I saved seed from my dills atlantic giant pumpkin. I put them in a glass bottle and in the cold room. I checked them several times and everything looked fine. A few days ago, I was making a video about my seed collection. I opened the bottle and all was well. Two days later, I checked and almost every seed had mold on it!!!!

  • @plainjanekara6431
    @plainjanekara6431 Před 5 lety +2

    Made my day! Just bought a bunch of heirloom tomatoe seeds and wanted to know if I could vacuum seal them. So excited to see that I can. :) thank you for your videos and your seed selling company! Here from Massachusetts i really enjoy watching and learning from you

    • @MIgardener
      @MIgardener  Před 5 lety +1

      Don't vacuum seal them super tightly, just so about 85% of the air is gone.

    • @dechannigan2980
      @dechannigan2980 Před 3 lety

      I clean them on a sheet of paper towel laid flat on the table.

    • @dechannigan2980
      @dechannigan2980 Před 3 lety

      Can you keep different varieties of seeds stored in the same jar

  • @squange20
    @squange20 Před rokem

    Great advice, thanks. How do you treat the seeds on taking them out of the fridge or freezer for sowing please? Do you leave them on the kitchen bench for a couple of days? And do you have to soak them in water before sowing?

  • @stacylesniewski107
    @stacylesniewski107 Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks for the video. Regarding storing in the freezer, is there any concern of the frost-free feature and/or should it be a deep freezer?

  • @donnagrifford7142
    @donnagrifford7142 Před 3 lety

    Thanks 4 sharing!!! 💞

  • @Gesundheit888
    @Gesundheit888 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for the information. Very good explanation.
    For you and me.....(for me)

  • @mapofthesoultagme7143
    @mapofthesoultagme7143 Před 3 lety +1

    I like to store my seeds in the original little bag with a clip on the opening. Then I put them in a small cardboard box I already have, similar to a shoebox. It doesn't require any materials that I don't already have.

  • @motherdaughtersister
    @motherdaughtersister Před 2 lety

    Great info ~ very helpful ~ thank you

  • @denisegirmer4550
    @denisegirmer4550 Před 3 lety

    Soooo helpful ty!

  • @googiesfairyfarm4834
    @googiesfairyfarm4834 Před 5 lety +1

    I’ve been keeping mine in the refrigerator as I didn’t think freezing them was a good idea. Good to know! Thanks!

    • @Lyndsay-jh2um
      @Lyndsay-jh2um Před 4 lety +3

      I have kept my seeds in the fridge and every single year I get at least 85-90 percent germination, even after 6+ years.

    • @tjfrost5355
      @tjfrost5355 Před 2 lety +1

      Googie's Fairy Farm, Lindsay Perry: As many times as I have heard it's fine, I don't like the idea of putting them in the freezer either, I keep hearing in this video, 'it's cool' but sheesh, I feel cool sitting here in my chair, but if I was in a freezer I wouldn't last long would I? lol, 'cool' for a freezer is not a great description, they are sub-zero COLD!! it just seems extreme and that's why I don't.
      I store mine in the refrigerator inside zip lock bags inside a bubble-pack (mailer-type) bag, and (more or less) 'sealed' up with clear tape. I am thinking of buying a vacuum sealer and silica packs as well because seeds are expensive and actually they are getting harder to come by. Would the fridge be any less ideal than a freezer? Save seed, and keep storing in a manner that works for you.

  • @dianaa8677
    @dianaa8677 Před 5 lety +3

    Thank you!✨
    For shareing this👍😋
    You the man" I appreciated it😁
    Take care' Be safe✨stay warm

  • @rollingthunder7258
    @rollingthunder7258 Před 3 lety

    THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO.
    🌻🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌻

  • @minhquinn439
    @minhquinn439 Před rokem +1

    Hey thanks for the info. I was just wondering when we do decide to take the seeds out of the freezer, is there a certain amount of time they should sit at room temp before planting them?

  • @jessecommerford9921
    @jessecommerford9921 Před 3 lety +1

    I've bought some seeds this year that I won't be planting until next year, and I also want to try to save some seeds from my chilli plants. Will freezing them in a ziplock bag be enough? Also, do I need to leave them out to dry first? And for how long? I know that the fruit should be left to ripen fully before taking seeds.

  • @brianking2546
    @brianking2546 Před 2 lety

    You were talking about using the silica thing to help them stay dry. When I drop my phone in water I use rice to dry it out and it does work really well wonder if you could somehow use that

  • @yvencia1150
    @yvencia1150 Před 5 lety

    Thanks you!!!!!!

  • @waynewestfall83
    @waynewestfall83 Před 3 lety

    Do you make Kombucha? I see in the background flip top bottles and towels over jars.

  • @CharlieJulietSierra
    @CharlieJulietSierra Před 3 lety +1

    Roots and Refuge sent me over here. Subbed

  • @sydneybristo22
    @sydneybristo22 Před 3 lety +2

    question : is it bad if you store seeds directly in plastic? vs paper than plastic? is it possible to absorb to much water out of a seed? I thought seeds needed a certain amount of % of water to sprout. I was wondering if I added 2-4 or a large silica pack if it could damage my seeds?
    also random other question can you grow Brussel sprouts in the winter to spring for early summer harvest if you grow them in doors part of the time? Thank you so much! I have loved your channel. I grew a lot the past few years and loved my Chinese eggplants. Saved seeds from everything I could.
    Oh I'd love to know your opinion on saving F1 seeds..... I know they won't be the same but do you save any of them and plant them?

  • @ezrabrooks12
    @ezrabrooks12 Před 5 lety

    Good Video,Good Info.

  • @anndennis7163
    @anndennis7163 Před 3 lety +2

    Seed to Seed by Ashworth used this book for many years. Available on Amazon (no I don't get any remuneration for this.)

  • @jackalee7
    @jackalee7 Před 3 lety

    I just found some vacuum packaged whole flax seeds in my freezer with an Oct 2014 expiration date! They smell and taste fine. Do they still have any nutrients, or should I throw them out?

  • @arifurmollah4386
    @arifurmollah4386 Před 11 měsíci

    I have a question, where can I store tree seeds before scarification, stratification, and planting? Where can I store them before germination? Where? What temperature is the best for storing seeds before germination? What temperature is it? Please tell me where can I store tree seeds before germination. Please tell me. Also, please make sure that you reply into this comment.

  • @LifeOnBeagleRoad
    @LifeOnBeagleRoad Před 5 lety

    Love it!

  • @nickneufeld2081
    @nickneufeld2081 Před 2 lety +1

    Hi Luke, seems like this video focuses on annual veggie seeds. I'm more into perennial fruits and nuts. I heard that walnut seeds should never be allowed to dry. Do you know about cherry, plum or saskatoon seeds? I think I should dry them like your video explains.

  • @nancyspruiell347
    @nancyspruiell347 Před rokem

    Hi Luke, thank you so much for this video! I realize it is 3 yrs old, but I still have a question ;). So, I'm fairly new to gardening (3-4 yrs), but my mom was an expert flower and tomato gardener. I don't know where I learned this, but I was always taught that seeds are living beings and need oxygen. Therefore, I stored all. seeds in paper envelopes only in the basement. So, it's actually better for long terms storage to keep them without any oxygen? They don't die? My kind of seed growing has been "just throw it in the ground / pot and see if it grows" ;). I want to start growing more from seeds and just took advantage of your sale to stock up on a few :). So, now that I have a bunch, I'm more concerned with how to keep them long term. Thanks so much for all you do!!

  • @patkonelectric
    @patkonelectric Před 4 lety

    Any thoughts on freeze drying seeds?