Best Seed Storage System I've EVER Used!
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- My seed collection keeps growing at an EPIC pace, so I've had to evolve my seed storage ideas. I used to use a jewelry box, but there were a ton of problems with it, so I've swapped over to these photo storage boxes that I found on Amazon:
IN THIS VIDEO
→ Seed Storage Box: amzn.to/39BmZtc
→ Labels: amzn.to/2wP9J6W
→ Homestead & Chill: homesteadandchill.com/garden-...
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How do you store yours? Would love to know. Here are the links to the items I use to store mine:
→ Seed Storage Box: amzn.to/39BmZtc
→ Labels: amzn.to/2wP9J6W
@@peteback Another good idea for regular sized seed packs, doesn't work so well for some of my over- sized ones . "Blessings of Bounty and May Your Gardens and your Life always Bring You Joy , Inspiration and Abundance!" - Hope
I have them all mixed together in a pile on a big plate
@@seedaholicgardens9085 I have a couple standard sheet protectors in the binder to fit the few oversized packets
I store my squash seeds in the ground... ah yes..
Same way as you. I like that I can put them in my garage refrigerator as well. No worries about extra condensation bc of the silica packs. Although, I actually put them in small plastic baggies inside the seed packs due to historical loss of packs from moisture.
One of my favorite seed storage hacks: any time I get dessicant packets (in food packaging, medication bottles, etc.) I save them and toss them in with my seeds to absorb any errant moisture that may sneak in.
I've got a bunch of them - great hack!
BuffaloRach Thank you Buff! gonna do that too. Bought a bunch of desiccants for my dehydrated veggies...Now will use for seeds, too.
Me too!
I use cotton balls; read this in one of my gardening books.
👍 me, three :)
“When it comes to seeds my budget seems to be infinity”
Relatable.
This speaks to me
Yup lol “Oh only $1.29? Let me just grab 3 of those, 4 of those, 2 of these...” 😂
So seeds must be like buying fabric for sewers hehe
Lol you buy 7 seed packets and it seems like you already spent 30 bucks like how does this happen 😂
Uhhh same hahaha
I worked at a government feed bank and there were seeds from the 70s that still had decent germination rates that were used
Wow!
How were they stored?
Yes, please! Tell us how they were stored!
@@patfitz6044 they were stored in glass or plastic jars with screw lids in a 4°C cold room with pretty low humidity.
@@tonidavis850 long term storage systems have really improved since then. I work at Canada’s national tree seed centre. We have a trial with spruce seeds from the 70s that were only stored at 4C in a collet and their longevity tanked relatively quickly compared to others stored just a few years later at -20C. Obviously moisture matters a lot before freezing. I think the system above is fine for home gardeners but sure is different working at a proper germplasm facility. And yes we do “garden annually” at our bank, with seed withdrawals and germination testing.
This year(2020),my Mother found some packs of cosmos flowers seeds, that she carried with her on several moves from one residence to another. She thought they must be 25-30 years old.
She threw them all in and sowed them, in a large tray, and they all sprouted perfectly! Just mention this to reinforce that most seeds are naturally pretty hearty and will more than likely produce after years of being stored dry. (We are in New England, Mass. and N.H.)
Scientists in Israel recently managed to germinate seeds that were 2000 years old.
I literally just decided today to start organizing seeds - and then you put out this video
The universe is telling me to sort my goddam seeds!
I can read your mind :P
😅😅
Seeds are God blessed, not god damned....
They also have this at Michael's arts and crafts store
We use those photo cases for small seed packets too! Only I label the edge with masking tape for month I need to start them based on temperature/DTM. One for veggies, one for flowers. Helps me keep up with succession planting, reorganizing packets end of each month. Thanks for sharing!
Love this idea! I especially have a hard time remembering when to start succession seeds.
Saw your storage cases last year-- immediately adopted it and now have 3 cases! Spring, Fall, and Flowers.
There's also important planting information on the packets so removing that would deprive yourself of much needed info.
Just tear it off and put it in. Or have a log for them. OR after gardening a few seasons you learn your plants so no need
Thank you so much for purchasing our seeds, we so appreciate it. Also, this storage system is awesome!
“I have way too many seeds...” said no real gardener ever.
I have an excel spreadsheet I made to keep track of mine. I have 101 packets of veggies & herbs. I have 50-60 flower seed packets (I'll make their spreadsheet when I'm bored).
I started gardening this year on 6/25.
I still completely agree with your statement.
NEVER HAVE TO MANY SEEDS 😉💚🌱🌱🌴🌻🌿🌹🌺
i dont get what you mean?
@@beeftaquitos1925 no “real” gardener believes in having to many seeds
Lowes was throwing away a whole display of seeds while I was working there and I wool almost all of it home so I might actually have too many seeds. I have more than I’ll ever go through. That’s even after giving away almost half of it
I use a clear shoe organizer that hangs on a door. Each pocket holds several packets and is organized by type (arugula, lettuce, cabbage, chard, herbs, flowers).
I use those Pokémon / baseball card holder in a large folder. You can see all the packets and seed varieties. I then use those folder tab dividers to section based on seed families.
So glad I found this video! I have way too many seeds; it's a little out of hand. Popped in to my local Hobby Lobby, & bought a photo organizer after seeing this. Great advice! Also, you mentioned in this video that seeds can last decades. That's so true; I'm growing some lettuce from seeds I've had since 1989!
This year I sorted my seeds into months. I used to forget seed. Especially in months like September for something that comes up in March. I've written it in my garden notebook and I also have months where I write what perrenials to harvest that month and what I have sown that year. Some months have bulky containers, July-September is just a couple of packages but that'll change because some seeda you can sow twice a year. I'm really excited about the coming year.
That would really help me out. I usually keep my seeds in rarely labeled bags, and those are found in random vases, drawers, and cabinets. It's like an Easter egg hunt and a box of chocolate.
I've used hanging jewelry organizers, coupon file folders, glass jars and God knows what all over 30 years. I clicked on the link and was delighted that they are BPA free! And acid and PVC free! That would be worth mentioning. I promptly ordered them. And they come in a pack of two cases. You just saved my life and my seeds ☺️
I have my seeds organized in a 4” zippered binder. I just use the photo pocket binder sheets (the ones with 4 pockets per sheet). Even the large Baker Creek seed packets fit! I have my spring/summer seeds in the front and fall seeds in the back. It makes it really easy for me to visualize what I have on hand when I’m planning my garden.
I highly recommend putting little packets of silica to absorb moisture. You can make them using coffee filters at an extremely reasonable price. I love the photo box idea! I am so going to do it.
I have a bunch for my dehydrated foods!
Great storage solution. My daughter and I never throw seeds away. We use them year to year with no noticeable difference in germination or production. I enjoy your show, Kevin. Thanks for being there for us.
I keeps all my seeds to freezer! 8 years old seeds still grows like fresh one!
Thanks to the video!
I store seeds in small zipper bags (3x4”) and store the bags in a shoe box. It’s so perfect and almost free.
I store my seeds in the original packets in a small cardboard box , although not a shoebox.
Yeah, me, too, but I am upgrading. $14.99 at Michael’s.
Right on! So glad to see you've made it over from the dark side and are enjoying the system! Lol. Thanks for shoutout, tips and love my friend!
Great storage idea. You answered my question about how long seeds last. Thanks for that😄 👍
My father in law brought back home a few pine cones from Turkey ( those large ones that you get pine nuts from). They were used as a cristmas decration in their house for like 25 years.
Last year I got one and realised that it's full of seeds. Wthout thinking I planted them and now I've got my own little garden of tiny pine trees. They're so precious and rare where I live.
I use an over the door shoe and jewelry organizer. It's see through, making it easy to see everything or organize by type, it holds packs in ziplock or pill bottles, it's in a cool dark place when the door is closed and it's cheap.
That is a brilliant idea and I will definitely look into using this system. One downside I noticed (same problem I'm having now with the packets) when you opened the "Lettuces" container there were seeds that have spilled out. Once they get mixed it'll be difficult to know what seed is what.
I use ziplock bags. I'll mix seeds that are obvious different (like beans with lettuce) so if they spill out I'll know what is what. The seed company called Seeds of Change are smart and sell their packets with resealable packets. Maybe a 3rd layer of protection is needed. But I really love this idea and will figure a way to use it. Thank you for sharing.
After planting, I seal my bags with washi tape. It doesn’t stick well, so easy to reopen. For security I replace the tape each time I open a bag.
I've done the same thing you did about 9 months ago. I also made a list on my phone, so when I go to order, I know exactly which variety I already have. Hard lesson learned when I had 4 packets of the same thing haha.
I am so relieved! Thank you for sharing this info! I just got 258 seed pks from value. This time of year they are only 25 cents and I really stocked up. Im so glad to hear that they will last for years. As I was packing them for storage I was wondering about shelf life! So this is a huge relief!!!!
I so needed this right now. My mom and just divided up all our seeds that we each had this weekend. I have been keeping my seeds in a shoe box but wasn't happy with it. My mom keeps hers in a croissant plastic pack from Walmart.
As a newbie in Zone 3, I really really appreciate that you mention the different zone considerations. I also like that, with this method, you don't lose the package information!
I'm a seed collecting addict as well. I have one for those photo storage containers as well! I love it! Labelled as well. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Good system. I would stick a silica pack in each plastic envelope. Thank you.
Yeah those packs are a grea tcall
Everybody’s latent farmer genes are kicking in because we might have an insecure food supply and we have to get our crops going
Cecily Erker when I bought, they were definitely starting to get backlogged and sold out.
@@MetubeCZcams I was in the both group until it got too hot to bake. 😅 Now I'm getting ready to bake a bunch again, with this year's peaches from my garden. 😁
@@lilliangarza4954 You can always bake bread in a solar oven:)
Trinhz Photography bread machines dont give much heat out. So you could do that during hot weeks. However I like to remove the dough and bake in oven
Especially in 2020
For my regular sized seed packages, I close the opening with clips if I opened that seed bag already. I store all of them in a small cardboard box. I have this large bag of strawberry bulbs that don't fit in there so I put it in an empty frozen veggie bag that can reseal at the top, like a ziploc bag that I didn't have to pay extra for.
I had mine in binders and some just slip out! This is sssoooo awesome! Best form of seed organizing I have seen so far!!! 💗love it!💗
I got the organizer u suggested and it is THE BEST!! So, so easy, portable, and my seeds are beautifully organized. I labeled them too. Such a relief not to waste time hunting for what I want. You changed my life!!!
I use the same boxes and system you use in here. It is my absolute favorite way to save seeds. I have struggled for years to find a good system and this is it! I love that the boxes can go to the garden with you. I have mine in alphabetical order though rather than by planting season.
Great idea! 🌷
We just started a vegetable garden this year but I've had a lot of flower seeds. I love this idea. Thanks.
As with a LOT of people, I started a garden for the first time this year. It started off quite small and sane but now I have dozens of seed packs and I've been stressing on how to store them. So glad this popped up in my suggestions! You filmed this before I subscribed, lol. 100% going to use this storage method. It's genius!
I have had these as my seed storage for about 3 years now. My wife surprised me.with it and thought it would be perfect for my seeds
Thank you so much for doing this video! I have accumulated a ton of seeds and they're just in bags everywhere and no place to store them. I have been trying to figure out for weeks how I can store them properly and organize them and you completely read my mind! I love the seed storage box. I'm buying one now! God bless!
I store my seeds in those cases as well. I saw you show that case idea in a previous video and loved it so much I ran out and bought one. My seed collection keeps growing so I have 3 now. 2 for veggies and one for flowers. I labeled mine as well Really works great !!!
3! I need 3 actually...
I bought one of these and it's been fabulous. I will need another though...there's no end to seed buying and saving 👍🏽
This is my first year gardening & thanks for the tips for storing my seeds for next year
Love this idea! I’ve been using a photo album, but my seed collection is expanding beyond what the album can hold. I’ll be on the lookout for these photo boxes. Thanks!
I use ammo boxes from Academy. Packets sit perfectly upright and you can thumb through them. I make dividers for them. For smaller inventory though. Like your idea.
Oh nice, that's perfect
Oh my goodness! I totally forgot to thank you for this video!! 😂 I now have three! Flowers and herbs in one and veggies in the other two. I do have a shoebox sized box for bulky packets like beans, peas and beets but oh my goodness so glad I saw this video a few months ago!! Thank you!! Once this season is done, they’ll be hanging out in my pantry where I keep the window closed all the time and have a thick curtain hanging to keep light out. I found that they’re great for when bringing out just a few of the individual cartridges into the garden and when done just stick them back in the case. Just awesome! A worthwhile investment is an understatement😊
Epic Gardening
I am originally from the Caribbean, am a new gardener here in Pennsylvania (Zone 6a)
Thanks for sharing this idea. I bought cases like this years ago from LTD Commodities to store photos in. After seeing your video I promptly purchased some more for organizing my seeds in. It has work out wonderfully!
I love your method! I gradually collected seeds so I have ended up with dozens of different little glass and plastic bottles, probes, bags etc. Now I just need sth like that !
My small (so far) collection is almost bursting out of the lock tite box I found. This box is a great idea. Thanks the wonderful video. 🌱
I purchase the recommended storage system from Micheals on sale at $14.99 each.
Oh man that's way cheaper, amazing
Do you mean Recollections? That’s the Michaels store brand.
Alot less expensive. Will check out. Thank you!
Wow i saw it at Michaelsfor $40.00 you scored! Congrats
kimberly guerrero its on sale now for 14.99... originally $41
I am new to your channel, but absolutely love your informative way of sharing with us. Easy to grasp even for a new gardener like me. Thank you for what you do.
Thank you for you videos! They are so informative! I live in The Bahamas and started my seedling business in Dec. In the Summer it is hot and humid and I was advised to keep them in the fridge. So for now I store mine in zip lock bags in the refrigerator (Roots, Night Shades,Legumes, Green leaf, Herbs, Medicinals and Flowers). I would love to purchase these cases but might have to buy a refrigerator just for my seeds🤣😂
In the Bahamas that would make a lot of sense!
Thank you for a great suggestion. I've already ordered mine. Like you, I'm also zone 10b and I really appreciate your viewpoint.
I use these photo bins also & I love them. I have 2 clear (warm & cool season) and 1 colorful one for flowers. Mine are all labeled like that too.
This video came just in time because I lost all of my seeds last year thinking I had them stored properly and didn't. I'm going to get this today ASAP.
I like this. I have been storing mine in small plastic shoe box tubs. Then I use clothespins to pinch them together in little packs. But I am quickly outgrowing that little shoe box!
Thank you so much for this tip.
I've purchased 3 of them from Michael's. 2 for me and 1 for my neighbor. God bless ,stay safe and encourage someone else to grow grow grow .
I thought I loved my storage containers until I saw those. Guess I will show the wife since my birthday is coming up. Also there are seeds that have been found and grown from tombs in the pyramids. Stay safe, stay healthy, grow on!
That's awesome! I use those exact photo storage cases for my daughter's homeschool felt sets. Never occurred! Getting some more soon! Seeds currently organized in zipper bags by type in an extra refrigerator door...has worked well, but always room for improvement!
I loved your new way for storing so much I just ordered two boxes. Thanks. Murray. Very well done video with excellent information.
Yes 🙌🏼 I use photo boxes for my seeds too! They are great.
just last night we were wondering what we could use to store seeds effectively. Gr8 idea! and perfect timing.
Omgosh, I'm so smart and didn't know it. I've only been seriously gardening for 6 years. Two years ago I bought these plastic containers for my seeds. I've never been sure putting seeds in plastic was good for them but it's so convenient. Since you do, I guess it's not going to hurt seeds. I've got three now and need to buy another. I am going to do some of the organisation you've done. Thanks. One whole case is just flowers. I am really seriously into gardening!😊
“When it comes to seeds my budget seems to be infinity” same
My bank account: 🤨🤨🤨😩
RIP
I understand that. It sure is hard to not get that or this plant. But it sure can be hard on the pocketbook. lol.
I’ve had that set up for a couple months, have 2 full boxes and am saving for my third!
I use the second method and it’s great! I love the photo organizer! Found this idea online from another flower grower!
Ahhhh so awesome! I have loads of those same little cases left over from when I Kon Mari'd my art supply area and ditched or reorganised a bunch of cardmaking embellishments, etc. This is SO much better than my current, stand the seed packets up in an old tub of dishwasher soap method!
I will be critical of your seed storage method . if you’re really looking to keep your seeds in good condition. You must keep them in airtight conditions. Your method is not airtight. and there is a chance for moisture or other contamination. You can just use a simple good quality Ziploc bag and silica packets. This gets very effective results.
Scott Riddle I use metal tins and keep in my basement
yes, I have used these for a long time. I quickly went to the 5x7 photo boxes because I use a lot of veg seed from Europe which are a lot larger. also with the 5x7 you can put two smaller seed packets side by side.
Yup, I am a fan & going to give his a go.
Thank you for sharing it with us and also kudos to you for doing a shout-out for the person you learned it from💖
And I have already Incorporated this new system. I absolutely love it. Once I get my CZcams channel up and running I'll do a video of it, on how well it turned out👍
Seeds will store longer in glass containers with seals on the lids (for example: wide mouth mason jars). Moisture can actually penetrate plastic over time. Seeds last longer in environments with little moisture, heat and light.
I bought that last year for my seeds too! Best seed storage ever!
I love it. And I have one box for my tomato seeds (because I'm tomato obsessed) and 2 for veggies :)
I am a scrapbooker and have several of these containers ! Thanks for this tip!
This is a perfect system for the amount of seeds you have. I only have around 50 seed packs so I keep mine in a plastic storage case. It has 3 tiers which can be independently removed and those slot things for if you want smaller gaps. I made little paper packets for my loose seeds which fit perfectly and It also has a handle so I can easily grab the whole thing and take outside to plant with.
Good system there!
My best storage for seeds that will last me for ages and its totally free:
PRO-tip:
I grow them
and store the seeds they produce :)
Best storage I know for the long run.
Small Garden Quest 😂😁
This is brilliant. I really needed a new system! This is perfect and also wonderful for my crazy organization self.
Love your solution! My seeds, still in their packets are in an open little wooden crate! I don't have a giant collection, but I keep working on it. So, think I'll be using your ideas going forward! Thanks for the great idea!
Good to hear you are in So Cal. It’s tough following channels and deciding how to use their advice when they are not in your area. I’m in So Cal as well. Thanks your the vid!
Great info- inspired me to organize! Found the same photo storage at Walmart for $15. Update- after organizing- I realized that your suggestions will save money, because my seeds were everywhere! Now I know what I have on hand.
This is amazing! I just recently decided to store my seeds in a different place (was keeping them in the greenhouse outside... too hot!).
These containers are good for so many things! I bought some for my seeds. I also sell costume jewelry and sort them in these as well.
i just throw them in a binder sleeve in the binder.. but seeds and package are also inside a ziplock bag.. so i dont lose or mix seeds..
i have a binder for each raised bed
we currently use these boxes for sorting/storing legos...but love this idea for seeds!
Well Lego's are important to :-).
Thank you for this video! This storage system accommodates commercial seeds as well as ones I have collected and saved-in all their envelopes, shapes and sizes. I've tried to rearrange my seeds many times, and was never satisfied. For this system I used one side for food seeds (grouped by categories) the other side was flowers and I grouped those by annuals, perennials and planting methods. (indoor tray start, direct sow, Autumn...etc) So organized by how I approach starting the seeds, hopefully this will work. But if not, I can rip off the labels, and try again-but the seed packets will still FIT!
Oh I love the seed storage idea. I was using old pill bottles washed out but I ran out of room to stack them. I'm also a seed crazy person with so many seeds that I couldn't possibly use them all.
I have a couple of seed bank canisters that are air-tight and light proof that I got a couple years ago from Seeds Now...hard to find currently though...of course they won't fit the big bags like the Black Oil Sunflower...
Thank You Kevin! You certainly do have an epic seed collection!
This is such a good idea! I see me going down a rabbit hole with how to use those containers.
What a great idea! I currently have my seeds in plastic shoe boxes. One has all flowers, one for vegetable and herbs and one for seeds I have collected in the garden. I put them in alphabetical order! I like your presentation for the seeds and may reorganize this way!
Homestead and Chill are the best! Sweet shoutout
I love this system. I got my organizer at Michaels.
I have two of the photo boxes full of seeds...and ordered more this week. Since I needed more storage, Michael's had them on sale in their Black Friday sale, so I bought two more yesterday. (I did some seed-saving this year, so I truly needed more storage.) Worse comes to worse, I will gift one to my daughter.
Infinity seed budget? Yes, Hunny! Me too! I keep saying, "I think this is finally it. No more needed, but yet I keep buying bahaha! Your method is amazing! I use two giant baby spinach containers, one for warm and one for cold stuff, and plastic pillow case bags (like what new ones come in) to further divide into herbs, flowers, vegetables.
I have these boxes. I bought to organize tubs and tubs of pictures. I have only one half full. I think I will switch it up to this hack instead of organizing 30 years of pix. Thanks again Kevin.
"Come along with my seed briefcase." Best line hahaha
Great video. I was about to buy the storage containers that you started off with and I thought I'd check and see what other people were using. I like this idea.
I like the idea to use photo organizer. I was about to use old pill bottle to also roll up and save the seed packages but then realized it’s gonna take up sooo much space lol. And I take my seeds with me when I go out to the garden. I try to take all my little tools with me. So I have a shower tote but it gets all jumbled and seeds slip out of the package and then it’s basically a random seed unless I can identify it. Thank you ❤