I’m currently in the middle of a plant propagation course that is teaching me a great deal about the science behind “plant propagules” (i.e., seeds, cuttings, pups, grafts, etc). Many of us gardeners propagate plants all the time without really think much of it; it’s a natural and necessary part of filling up a garden without breaking the bank by buying mature plants every time you want to try something new. The past week or two of lecture has been about seeds and how they function as the powerhouse of new life that they are. It reminded me that a post about properly storing seeds might be helpful to new gardeners.

No matter how short a time between when you harvest or buy your seeds and when you sow them, it is best to constantly keep them cool and dry. Every bit of heat and moisture, even just little condensation, they come in contact with depletes their viability, or ability to germinate. Because seeds are highly engineered by Mother Nature to “turn on” their inner mechanisms when they come in contact with moisture and warmth, exposing them to these elements before you are really ready to grow them means the seeds run the risk of starting their engines and then running out of gas, at which point they are dead. In some instances, seeds are also triggered by light; those that are highly sensitive to it are the ones that come to you in foil packets inside the seed package.

If you protect seeds from moisture, heat, and light, they can last much longer than if they are sitting out on your desk or countertop (not that I’ve ever done that…). I find a good storage system for the home gardener consists of a couple paper towels, a tightly sealing plastic container or ziplock bag, and a corner of your fridge. The towels wick up any moisture that creeps in so it’s a good idea to change them out every month or two. You can also use a glass jar with a lid which keeps out even more moisture, but I haven’t found one that has a very wide mouth and still fits well in my fridge. Freezing seed is also an option and will improve germination rates in those seeds that need stratification, or a cold treatment like seed would get naturally if it were laying on the ground over the winter, waiting for spring to que its turn to sprout.








































