Why preserve seeds
There are many reasons to preserve seeds. Some people do it to save money, others to ensure they have a supply of fresh, high-quality seeds, and still others to create a store of genetic material.
Whatever your reason, there are a few things you need to know before you start saving seeds. First, not all seeds can be saved. Second, even if a seed can be saved, it may not remain viable (able to germinate and produce a plant) for very long. Finally, some seeds require special treatment before they will germinate.
Here are some tips on how to preserve your seeds so that they will be viable for as long as possible:
- Store them in a cool, dry place. Seeds can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer if they are in an airtight container.
- Place them in a dark container. Light can damage seeds and cause them to lose their viability.
- Keep them away from insects and other pests. Insects can damage seeds and carry diseases that may infect the plants that grow from them.
- Do not allow the seeds to get wet. Water can damage seeds and promote the growth of mold and bacteria that can kill the seed or the plant that grows from it.
- Make sure the container is airtight. Seeds need oxygen to stay alive, but too much oxygen can also damage them.
What seeds to preserve
One way to have a continuous supply of plants is to preserve seeds from year to year. Seeds of annual and perennial flowering plants, vegetables, and herbs can be collected and reused. The following are a few guidelines on what seeds to preserve.
Heirloom seeds
When selecting heirloom seeds to preserve, look for plants that produce true-to-type seeds. These are plants whose offspring will bear the same characteristics as the parent plant. For example, if you grow a tomato plant from an heirloom seed and the plant produces fruit that is the same size, shape, and color as the parent plant, then the seed is considered true-to-type.
To ensure that your plants produce true-to-type seeds, avoid cross-pollination by different varieties of the same species. Cross-pollination usually occurs when pollen from one plant fertilizes the ovules of another plant. This can happen when bees or other insects transfer pollen from one flower to another, or when wind blows pollen from one plant to another.
You can prevent cross-pollination by isolating your heirloom plants from other varieties of the same species. One way to do this is to grow only one variety of a particular species in your garden. Another way is to physically isolate your plants by covering them with netting or cheesecloth so that bees and other insects cannot get to the flowers.
Once you have collected your heirloom seeds, store them in a cool, dry place until planting time. Heirloom seeds will remain viable for many years if they are stored properly
Hybrid seeds
Many seed catalogs offer both open-pollinated and hybrid seeds. The term “hybrid,” when it comes to seeds, simply means that the parent plants were of two different varieties (or, in plant breeding lingo, “cultivars”). The offspring of these two different plants will have characteristics of both parents. For example, if you cross a tall plant with a short plant, the resulting hybrid offspring might be of medium height.
How to preserve seeds?
Seeds can be preserved in a number of ways, but the most common is to dry them. Seeds can be dried in the sun or in a dehydrator. Seeds can also be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Drying
Drying is the most common and user-friendly way to preserve seeds. You can use a dehydrator, oven, microwave, or air dry your seeds.
Dehydrator: Dehydrators work by circulating hot air over the seeds until they are dry. This is the quickest method and results in the most viable seed.
Oven: You can use your oven to dry seeds, but it is not recommended. The heat from an oven can be too intense and damage the seed. If you choose to dry your seeds in an oven, set it to the lowest possible temperature and check on the seeds often.
Microwave: You can use your microwave to dry small quantities of seeds, but this method is not recommended. The microwaves can damage the seed and make them less viable.
Air Drying: Air drying is the slowest method but does not require any special equipment. Simply spread your seeds on a paper towel or cookie sheet and place them in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. Check on them daily and remove any that have dried completely.
Freezing
Freezing is an easy and effective way to preserve seeds. All you need is a freezer and an airtight container, such as a zip-top bag. The process is simple: just clean and dry your seeds, then place them in the container and store them in the freezer. Seeds will remain viable for years when frozen.
To use frozen seeds, simply thaw them at room temperature before planting. You can also plant frozen seeds directly in the ground; they will thaw as they come into contact with moisture and warmth underground.
Vacuum sealing
When it comes to storing your seeds, there are a few different methods that you can use to keep them fresh and viable for planting. One of the most effective ways to store seeds is by vacuum sealing them.
This method of storage keeps the seeds dry and free from pests and other contaminants. It also prevents the seeds from being crushed or damaged.
To vacuum seal your seeds, you will need a vacuum sealer and some type of storage container. You can use a mason jar, tupperware container, or even a zip-top bag.
Place your seeds in the container and then seal it using your vacuum sealer. Make sure that the seal is airtight so that no moisture or pests can get in.
You can store your sealed seeds in a cool, dark place for up to 5 years. When you are ready to plant them, simply open the container and plant them according to direction.
Storing your preserved seeds
Seeds from annual and perennial flowers, as well as trees and shrubs, can be collected and saved to be planted the following year. This is a thrifty way to ensure a continual supply of your favorite plants without having to purchase them each year. Preserving your own seeds also allows you to choose from a wider variety of plants than what is typically available in stores.
Storing your preserved seeds properly is essential to maintaining their vigor and viability. The ideal storage conditions for seeds are cool (32-41°F), dark, dry, and airtight. Seeds can be stored in the refrigerator, freezer, or in a cool, dark closet or cupboard.
To further prolong the life of your seeds, you can store them in desiccant-filled containers or envelopes. Examples of desiccants include silica gel packets, activated charcoal packets, or rice. Once the seeds are placed in the container or envelope with the desiccant, it is important to seal the container tightly so that no moisture can enter and affect the seeds.
Label all of your containers with the plant name, date collected, and any other relevant information. This will help you keep track of which seeds are which and when they were collected. Seeds can be stored for many years if they are kept in ideal conditions; however, it is recommended that you plant them within 3-5 years for best results.
Why you should start preserving seeds?
Seed saving is a rewarding way to be more self-sufficient, save money, and preserve heirloom and endangered plant species. Growing plants from seed can also give you greater control over your garden, ensuring that the plants are well-suited to your climate and soil type. With a little bit of planning, you can easily save seeds from many common vegetables, herbs, and flowers.