How to Store Garden Seeds

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.