Seed Storage The Florida Backyard Vegetable Gardener’s Way
There are many companies out there selling “Seed Vaults”, “Survival Seed Packages” etc. They are very expensive and have elaborate packaging. I have done extensive research on proper seed storage. Here is what I learned:
- Seeds need oxygen because they are alive.
- Seeds lose viability and vigor over time no matter what.
- Seeds should be grown out every few years or so and then re-stored.
Some say storing seeds in the refrigerator or freezer is best. I have started to freeze mine. I have a separate freezer than my house freezer because of opening and closing the door fluctuates the temperature. If you use the frig or freezer remember every time you want to use the seeds you need to take out the jar and leave it until it comes to room temperature. Then, when you’re done the jar and seeds need to be room temp. again and have no moisture. I find that very hard in Florida. For everyday gardeners the below process works just fine.
This is my seed storage process
- I store them in a paper envelope or plastic bag in an air tight jar like a canning jar.
- I put a silica pack in the jar or inside the bag in the jar. You don’t have to though. I then keep the jars in a cool, dry, dark place with the most consistent temperature. In my house that is in my bedroom closet on the north side of the house.
Seeds in jars for storage
Seeds will stay good for 4-10 years depending on type if stored properly. Seeds over time will lose vigor and not have the highest germination rate inevitably, but usually will still produce a few good plants. That is a pretty long time without all that fancy stuff. So unless you have access to the world seed vault in Norway, there is no way to have guaranteed life time seed storage, and I am sure they even do grow outs every few years and store fresh seed. I suggest growing out saved seeds or buying new every few years to have a secure food source forever.
If you think about it, 100-200 years ago they did not have all this vault stuff and they still grew food and saved seeds!.