How to Store Garden Seeds for Longevity | Gardening Tips and Advice

[@mfarmer2112]

🕊My father-in-law stored seeds in a coffee can in his unheated garage, 30 years later my son planted them and he couldn't be more surprised and thrilled to see grandpa's garden again 🌱🌱🌱🐞HI GRANDPA 💞🙏🌱🕊

[@nathanbrantley7316]

I absolutely love this channel. You were the one reason that I started gardening, and then that led to me going to college to become a horticulturist and I can’t thank you enough.

[@rainmartin2419]

I'm mid degree on agriculture/minor horticulture- have you found it applicable for jobs? Or better to just learn from experience? I had a break recently having my toddler home but am about to pick it back up in fall after getting my PDC this spring

[@nathanbrantley7316]

@@rainmartin2419 I work at a botanical gardens and love it

[@marybethwhalen70]

Same! Graduated with my horticulture certification in 2021 from NC State!

[@lizatrue7543]

I store my seeds in photo boxes in the closet of the coolest room of our home. Still germinating tomato seeds that I got in a HUGE order 16 years ago from TomatoFest. Seeds, when stored properly, last a very long time. Thanks for covering this today, Jess. Another great video!

[@SewBreezie]

Jess: "Keep them cool, keep them dry, keep them organized..." Me: "keep it secret, keep it safe"

[@cheyennedesmet5386]

I carry the little snack zip bags in my purse to be able to save seeds or share seeds whenever. A tip I use to reseal seed packets is blue painters tape. Works great.

[@DebiLynn]

I use old prescription containers for my saved seeds. I mark them with seed type and date that they were saved

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

I have 4 healthy little seedlings descended from the single Crimson Giant tomato that Luke managed to grow from that 80-yr-old packet in the shadow box. It's a testament to the stubbornness of life! And I love sharing seeds with my gardening buds...a great justification for the inevitable bouts of overenthusiastic seed purchases.

[@soymilkmuse]

May I say, I am always impressed by your quick Fahrenheit to Celsius conversions? As many times as I've tried to learn that it never sticks!😂 Great information today, thank you!💕

[@teresamariner4238]

I agree. I am celciua challenged. Same goes form grams, liters, etc .

[@kathyholt8686]

Thank goodness Alexa can convert fast for me!

[@littlesaltyhomesteader]

I used these photo organizers until this year. I had a really bad problem with buying duplicates because I lack object permanence (out of sight, out of mind). I changed to a 3-ring binder with photo sheet protectors, and so far so good! I do have to be more careful about spills, but my pocketbook thanks me for not buying 6 packets of Serrano peppers 😂😂😂

[@angelaraum1545]

How does peas do? Spill out?

[@littlesaltyhomesteader]

@@angelaraum1545 I actually have my peas and beans in a Botanical Interests box 😂, and they are sealed with washi tape thanks to a suggestion from Jess in a video many moons ago.

[@sharonknorr1106]

I bought a big bag of small desiccant packets on Amazon and put them in with my seeds. Also discovered those little plastic bags several years ago and use them a lot. Never thought about Washi tape - will work much better than the cumbersome paper clips I use now. Yes, some of your content repeats that seen in previous vlogs, but there is always something new as well, so everyone, keep watching.

[@zinnia3190]

I also use the plastic photo boxes and the jewelry ziploc bags. I write the # of weeks until last frost date on the front of the seed pkg with a Sharpie, so I can easily sort them into my seeding schedule. (Who doesn't go through their seed pkgs a zillion times, mixing them all up over the dreary winter time? 😄)

[@PoliteTeeth]

I had followed Luke’s story of the Giant Crimson from the beginning. As soon as the seeds were ready for sale on his site I RAN to get them. I grow them every year now, after saving seeds from the original plant from his seed packet. It’s now my most favorite story to tell about anything in my garden. An absolute testament to the promise every seed has, regardless of age (there’s a moral in there somewhere for us all 😂). It’s the coolest thing ever!

[@sallypoppema9575]

You should grow Abe Lincoln tomatoes. They have quite a story too.

[@pathoward5721]

How do they taste 👅!?

[@missourigirl4101]

I have those too. Like he said the name is misleading. They are not very large tomatoes. Lol

[@PoliteTeeth]

@@missourigirl4101 yes! Haha that’s very true. They aren’t very big. At least not in comparison to other tomatoes I’ve grown 😂 I don’t mind it though!

[@PoliteTeeth]

@@sallypoppema9575 oooooo!! Thanks for the recommendation I’m gonna check these out!

[@raversmead]

I've only been gardening a few years and I've already reached seed hoarder level. You taught me well Jess, you taught me well 😂💕

[@karenm5681]

10:49 Dollar stores in our area 🇨🇦sometimes have these small ziplock bags that are the perfect size to put small amounts of seeds in. I’ve found them to be very useful when participating in a seed swap or giving seeds to friends and family. There’s also a really neat origami-style way to fold squares of paper into a small rectangular mini envelope shape that is perfect for small amounts of seeds.

[@mindyskidder]

I started organizing/storing my seed in photo boxes a couple of years ago. I remember my mom & my grandmas all used to store their seeds in repurposed ice cream buckets stacked in their basements. I wish I could remember how Grandma Dorothy stored her Gladiolus bulbs because I can't remember a year when she didn't grow them and, living in Wisconsin, I helped her dig the frost tender bulbs up from time to time. Not sure how their love of gardening took so long to take root in me, but glad it finally has!

[@debbiep7419]

I love your continual practical encouragement. Just starting gives you a better chance of growing something than doing nothing. Old seeds in the soil have a much better chance of germinating than seeds in the trash. Just give it a try and see what happens. You have been instrumental in helping me get over my "I don't know how to do it perfectly" fear and I'm a better gardener thanks to you.

[@marlaherrington5320]

What a blessing it would be to have such a seed collection, or a friend that has such a collection.

[@kimr4005]

Awwww so sweet. I get accused of being a hoarder. What people don’t know it’s that I have a business teaching gardening, I go to an intense plant seed swap in the spring, I do volunteer classes and give away lots of seeds, and I have done volunteer one on one garden training and giving away seeds. Like Jess said gardeners love to share seeds. And I typically grow over 1000 plants per year for myself and others. So I encourage everyone to save lots of seeds and support all the businesses we can afford to😂❤❤❤👩‍🌾👩‍🌾👩‍🌾👩‍🌾👩‍🌾👩‍🌾

[@StephyKristine]

My seeds are shoved in an old mailbox in the backyard. Adding seed storage to my shopping list out of embarrassment. 😬🙃🤫

[@debbiemusgrove676]

I have been in my home for 38 years and I’m going through everything and purging. Just ran across seeds that were 19 years old from my mom and dad’s house. Definitely going to see if they will germinate. What have I got to lose?

[@TheCreativeWellUK]

I have a photo case just like that for my seeds. It is known in my house as "The Suitcase Of Potential" 😄

[@lisag6906]

I currently have 3 overflowing photo cases of seeds for my smedium garden. I use chalk pens to label each box by category and subcategories (zinnias, sunflowers, pastes, slicers, cherries, tomatillos, etc.). So convenient!! I use painter's tape to close my seed packets. It's not as cute as washi tape but gets a huge bang for my buck! HaPpY Gardening!!!🌷🌻🍅🥒🫑🍓🌶🥕🫛🌽🍆

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Sweet Jess, I'm not a seed hoarder, I just purchase them for the pretty art/picture on the front of the packet....shhhh.....don't tell my husband I have several bins of seeds. On Wednesday, we had our water heater replaced, and some other work done by a plumber to make sure things were up to code, and current. Needless to say, the plumber, and I discussed homesteading, animals, and gardens. I suggested both he, and his wife check your vlog out (especially since they want to plant seeds). He said they both were familar with your vlog, and need to go back to it. In the end, we have now found a very reliable plumber, and friend. Like you, I always have extra seeds because I enjoy planting, and giving seeds out. To encourage others to garden, and grow food. Needless to say, our new plumber left our home with several packs of seeds.

[@EmmaMG21]

God bless you, Jess and family! Love, from London UK.

[@WithrowUrbanHomestead]

I store my seeds in 4oz Ball Mason jelly jars in a 1930’s vintage metal cabinet that was here when we bought our house. I do a lot of seed saving so the jelly jars work well for me.

[@gailmcdonald1946]

I store my seed collection in a fridge (that no longer works) added a moisture absorber and its great, its recycling, and stays cool,dark and safe from rodents 💖

[@lynnmilton1240]

I have 6 of these containers. One for flowers, 2 for herbs, 3 for normal veggies and 1 for fruits.

[@teresamariner4238]

Think you have 7 now ;)

[@samanthahoos9827]

Thank you! While watching I planted Hyssop, St. John’s Wort, Elecampane, Soapwort and Chamomile seeds. I’m starting seeds every week in hopes to not feel overwhelmed come harvest/planting out season.

[@petrafarms]

I save the silica packets from my vitamin bottles in the vitamin bottle and put my seeds in there from my own seeds I save each year and it works great. Was a mother earth news seed saving tip!

[@marygrott8095]

I like your suggestion to put seeds in those small plastic bags and then back inside the original packet! And, you may be happy to know that I use washi tape because of your suggestion in am older video! This year, for some reason, some varieties of my pepper seeds aren't germinating well. I have planted more and am hoping they will germinate soon. They are only two years old.

[@bkcfarms6325]

I did the exact same thing years ago when I first started gardening. I (like you) will forever be haunted from tomato seeds I threw away twenty + years ago…lol. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of all things gardening!

[@454tyger]

I store my seeds in ammo cans so they are definitely waterproof that way. I also label the ammo cans with whats in them and put them inside in ziploc type bags that I get in the craft section. I know its overkill but hey I want them to last. This year I germinated onion seeds that were from 2012!

[@irony11]

I too have seeds in ammo cans. Glad someone else thought of it too!

[@454tyger]

@@irony11 😄

[@lotus....]

Yep me too...they are good for so many things!!

[@lindaborn2336]

I also store my seeds in photo boxes (I also seed shop faster than I garden 😊) and Hobby Lobby sells them for 14.99 every day in case you can't find them on sale at Michael's when you go to look, whenever they run the sale here they seem be gone fast. Again thank you for this timely video ❤️

[@steveegbert7429]

The photo boxes are great! Labeling them helps too, whether it be masking tape and sharpie, or a label maker. I started with 2, then bought 2 more, then 2 more. One for tomatoes and peppers, 1 for flowers, another for cool season, another for warm season. Now those are getting cramped, hence the 2 more I just got to separate tomatoes and peppers, and the too many flowers and herbs. "Shop faster than I garden" -- love it!

[@lavernfoy4591]

I also use the photo container to store seeds in. You are right I bought the photo boxes when they are on sell 2 at a time from Michael’s. ❤🙏

[@Barbara-lv8tw]

Luke from MiGardener said in a video a few days ago that they are working on getting Washi tape produced for Migardener to sell to reseal their packages. They just started selling coco coir, price is good too.

[@pattiripley7599]

I used to think about seeds being old then remember as a kid reading about them growing wheat and barley seeds from an ancient Egyptian tomb. They planted the seeds and had an almost 100% germination. Only one didn’t come up but it had teeth marks from a rodent. Since then I’ve heard many stories of people growing very old seeds. I have many of different ages. I will grow my older ones first, but am not losing or getting rid of anything except to share or plant

[@iartistdotme]

Seeing my jars filled with colorful veg is very similar to the feeling of seeing my seed collection - all in neat little picture boxes tucked into those plastic seed suitcases. So colorful and full of potential and dreams just sitting there waiting. LOVE it.

[@rachelhoffman3616]

I grew a packet of radish seed from 1999. Had spent a few hot summers and cold winters in a storage shed. Had great germination rate too!

[@moonbladem]

Lots of helpful tips (like storing the seeds in little ziploc baggies before placing them in the original envelopes) and leads (i.e. Michael's), so thank you! I bought two of those photo boxes off Amazon for like $42. Next time I'll shop at Michael's first LOL! At least I can comfort myself that the little individual photo boxes came in various colors, so I can color code my seeds!

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

So exited to see this post! You could pretty much stated my hopes and dreams in your, "there was a time when...". It has been wonderful learning from you over the years. I love seeing all of this come to fruition for you. Thank you for all of your wonderful advice on everything. I hope your coffee shop and the farm center in town is coming along well~ I am excited for an update. Keep up the wonderful work Jess (and family). Have a wonderful day and upcoming weekend.

[@cassiemontoya1010]

Blue painters tape is also amazing for resealing seed packets (and all sorts of other uses). Like washi tape, it's meant to come off cleanly, without damaging surfaces. It doesn't have the fun patterns, but I'm more likely to have painters tape on hand for other projects. I've also used sharpie on painters tape for labeling pots of seedlings/bulbs/bare-root perennials, and have been pleasantly surprised that the writing stays readable for a long time. Some pots still had legible labels after 2 years of sitting outside in the rain and snow, and when I finally transplanted my poor neglected hostas into their permanent homes in the landscape, the tape peeled off easily, without leaving any residue behind.

[@dawnbrown2125]

Good day Jess, hope your growing un like a weed and God is meeting your every need. Have a awesome day with Jesus !

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

I remember some years ago, one of the 1st videos I saw of yours you were talking about seed saving. You went and got your little book thing that your seeds were in. Your love for that seed collection was so obvious and strong. You were like a little kid and a favorite toy ❤️. I think of that when I see my seed collection. You've come so far and have helped and inspired so many! I think the 1st video of yours that I watched, you were in front of a giant chalkboard wall I think. Pretty cool.

[@bonnieclyne5618]

FYI: I find washi tape frequently at the Dollar Tree. Great idea to use it on seed packets!

[@TheSdecker2]

Thank you! Even this seasoned gardener learned a new trick, Washi tape! Wahoo! Thank you. :)

[@GoingGreenMom]

Roots and refuge store request- garden themed washi tape. Can you imagine your stickers shrunk down and collaged onto washi tape?

[@katiebrodeen4241]

Thank you sooo much for sharing this info Jess. Last year I harvested every single seed I could and now I don't know what to do so I'm really happy I saw this to watch ❤

[@8thcelisabeth]

planting some older bunching onion seeds. Godspeed lil seeds!

[@alexabrown8107]

I think someone else might have said this too, but I got this idea from my coworker. She stores hers in photo albums and it works really well for small/backyard gardening!

[@pamsjohncrazycountry5523]

hugs from pam and john keep it coming on video we love you all

[@kelseystengel8241]

I started using plastic tool boxes and ammo sized plastic boxes that say water resistant. They’re black so they also keep light out and the packets line up in a row easily. It saves more space because with the amount of seeds I’ve collected over the years I’d probably need 30 of those photo boxes. I use the bigger tool boxes for all the flowers and all the larger beans peas and corn seeds and the smaller ammo type boxes I sort my melons, squash, tomatoes, peppers, root vegetables, salad greens, and cool crops like broccoli Brussels sprouts and such. I also took the time one year to write down every single seed package I owned in a 3 ring binder with the name what brand of seed packet it is or where I bought it, the amount of seeds or how many grams of seeds and the price. It helps to reference back to that when I’m seed shopping and if something ever happened to my seeds hopefully I would still have that 3 ring binder and know what I needed to replace (we have our belongings covered in our home insurance and used to with rental insurance) I’m a little obsessive over my seeds lol!!

[@pamrharball6694]

I just moved and I forgot my seeds were outside in a crate and we had a great rain ,and all my seeds got wet and I forgot they were there, and they were ruined, so starting new with new seeds, at my new place. luckily I am a elerderlysmall gardener.

[@dottietruthseeker4546]

“I’m not a seed hoarder” I simply belong in SSA (seed savers anonymous)… New classroom, haven’t had time or the health to really get going…yet. There is still hope and I found great hope in your chat about your health.

[@whitneybrown4670]

We buy packs of those little baggies at hobby lobby at the jewelry making section. And they're only like $3 for 100 of them.

[@kele1264]

Michaels puts the photo boxes on sale several times a year. I've never paid more than $15. The only place I've seen them on the $15 sales is at Michaels stores themselves. When not on sale, they're around $42. The boxes come in clear, like Jess is showing here. They also come in translucent green, and in translucent rainbow colors. I store my seeds in these photo boxes; they are fantastic! I use my P-touch labeler to identify what's inside. Couldn't be happier!

[@the1plantguy]

I store seeds in photoboxes. One box for cool season, one box for warm season, and one box for herbs.

[@heidiweinert3260]

Everwilde has the waterproof zipper pouches and I think they are not more expensive than some more popular seed companies. They also have very detailed instructions on the package which I really love!

[@theIAMofME]

I like the way you think, Jess!! I AM A SEED HOArDER and proud of it!!! 🤩

[@druidsgardenandkitchen]

Amongst the 48 varieties of tomato I've sown this year, I've just had some Black Truffle tomatoes and some Black Russian cherry tomatoes come up. The seed for the first was from 2015 and the latter was saved seed collected in 2013. I really wasn't expecting either to grow but thought I'd give them a go. I sowed them really thickly in the module tray I'm using and of course they've all germinated.

[@lanaereinertsen9981]

So funny this video dropped now. I just bought a photo/seed storage box a couple hours ago... on the same page with you!

[@realityrealm4876]

Thank you! Many of my questions were answered without ever asking 😊

[@kimberliebuffington910]

I also store my seeds in photo boxes. Makes it so easy to pull out and get at all my little lovely seeds when gardening! I have had huge success with older seeds including carrots. Shocked at how well they did!

[@CynthiaHollenberger]

Instead of a plastic organizer, I found a cute red metal toolbox that is super cute covered in stickers. I love the washi tape idea!

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

I like to keep one extra photo case that's just a mish-mash of all the "old" seeds that I know will have pretty diminished germination rates, but I would still be more than happy to grow if something were to happen to my other seeds. I might have to consider sticking that photo case into the freezer, just in case.

[@kdbolson]

I love your suggestion to put the little zip bag inside the original packet. I will DEFINITELY follow that practice starting today. :)

[@rcjo2]

I use narrow blue painter's tape. It's sticky enough, yet doesn't tear the paper off. I don't know but I'm sure it's cheaper than the fancy printed craft tape.

[@rorie1326]

Washi tape is actually pretty affordable but I also just use painters tape

[@patriciacostales7919]

Washi tape, what a game changer. I was using paper clips but I just switched over to washi tape and I can fit so many more seed packets in my photo boxes. Thank you for all the great suggestions.

[@dottiewelch6964]

I just bought a bunch of new seeds… Now I have to upgrade my seed storage box. Darn it ! I hate it when that happens lol 😍I’m seed rich!

[@sammie1722]

Me and my husband recently moved into late families home, while cleaning we've found seeds from '90 and '83 different flowers and things like that we'll be planting this spring 🌱🙂 we'll see if anything sprouts !

[@rachelgalus]

I love the photo boxes for organizing. The only thing I don’t use it for is beans. And that tape is great. I’ll have to get some!

[@anpanek]

Dollar Tree usually has Washi tape in the craft area on those hanging displays.

[@vivianweissmann217]

Jess, love the washi tape tip; thank you! I do store my seeds in the photo boxes; just writing down my seeds from MIgardner. Thanks for sharing your life and your beautiful family. Stay well.

[@justjlll4596]

Love the poly bag tip! I use the photo box storage method!

[@weirdheathersgarden]

I think my oldest seeds I grew were some Gardeners Delight tomatoes which said use by 2011 on the pack. They made some v lovely tomatoes in 2019 when I finally got around to growing them 😋🍅

[@rainwaterrefugehomestead2267]

I need that photo box like ASAP. I've been hosting seed swaps and I have accumulated SOOOOOO many seeds from everyone leaving the extras with me 🤣

[@deetoms8542]

Just when I think I've tried it all, I pick up a new useful tidbit for my bag of tricks. Thank you!

[@Car-jy8pw]

Two words: silica packets. At least where I am, moisture is what I have to watch out for.

[@FiveCanadianAcres]

I recently went seed shopping and the garden store had a huge display of last years seeds on sale for 50% off. I love a good bargain and added a few more seeds to my collection :) Love those photo boxes, I bought one last year and it has been a huge help for organizing the craziness of all the seeds, lol. After this years seed hauls I will have to buy another one or two.(They are $25 Canadian at our Michaels).

[@ThisPugLife]

We got a bunch at Tractor Supply one year toward the end of the year, since the sell-by date was coming. They were like 75% off.

[@karionhawkins3091]

I asked for the photo boxes for my January birthday and I got them!!!! I am so happy to organize my seeds in something besides Tupperware 🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@christydominguez1647]

I have 3 of these containers. I use each box for a kind of vegetable and use a label maker to mark the box with type.

[@Redac2608]

This video is so timely. I purchased one photo case last month for $32 on Amazon. I went to Michael's today and they were $17. I purchased 2.

[@maydanavabarnett5177]

Thanks for the great tips, Jess! I’ll look for some of these affordable options today❤🌿🌻🌺

[@Tree-thingz]

Thank you! I was feeling condemned for buying seeds in excess of what my gardening space allows. I don't have to plant every seed😂. Storing seeds for bartering is the new currency.

[@dudeusmaximus6793]

Had some bulk Bucklunch Sugar Beet seeds I got from Shumway in '08 that I finally finished off last year and they germinated well right to the end. Blew my mind. But have heard of thousands of year old seeds in dry areas such as the Middle East that they got to germinate. Put my seeds in ziploc bags and in the freezer. Has worked well for me.

[@sherylfetik4126]

Thank you Jesse.

[@debrasaints3809]

Jess snd Miah have their chicken coops on a skid and they eat up the insects and worms in the grass naturally. When the chickens have totally finished off a section they move them to a fresh patch. They do have good weather practically year round. She also throws all of the produce and last of the vines from the tomatoes, peas, beans, cabbages, potatoes, etc to the chickens and other livestock. But, I imagine they have some food stored for them to use on rare occasions.

[@corrycole3510]

Thank you Very much for sharing this information. For those of us who are just starting to grow it is extremely helpful. God bless you.

[@ybernier1925]

I don't know you, you don't know me. but we clicked from the first time I saw your videos in 2019. I also love bright, colorful details like the tape you use.

[@wormulous]

Jess! Love how your greenhouse turned out. We don't have room really for a big one so I enjoy seeing others. I ordered a first order of seeds this year so I'm hoping they all turn out well. Right now they are just in their packages and once I'm done doing what I need to do for starting them I'll need to probably vacuum seal mine and toss them in a drawer... maybe not a full vaccum just sealed.

[@greggbeard429]

Jess, thank you SO MUCH for this video. I've been struggling for years how to keep my seeds organized. I went to Michaels yesterday and bought two of these cases they were on sale for $16.99 each and I also bought the little ziplock bags for my loose seeds. I can't wait to finally be organized. God Bless you for all your great information you pass on to us. Terri

[@kburkes4245]

Great video! I have the same photo box, except colorful 😍 I also drop a few of those silica packages (that you sometimes get with shoes) in the box just to absorb any moisture.

[@joelc9421]

The MI Gardener guy has specialty washi tape he sells. Live your channel Jess

[@glen748]

The photo boxes are currently on sale at Michaels for 16.99 till Feb 20,2023

[@jessicawoodruff3078]

Great info! I'm adding washi tape and little plastic bags to my shopping list as we speak! I would love to see a video talking about planning placement of plants in the garden with planning to save seeds in mind. I've been taking note of which plants need to be separated so they don't cross pollinate.

[@dirtroaddestiny]

Very interesting, I’ll get better at storing my seeds effectively thank you so much ❤

[@domesti-city]

My seed collection boxes (photo storage boxes) are where I use my collection of stickers from my favorite youtube channels.

[@marcidevries5515]

I find tiny ziplock baggies in the pharmacy area of the store as pill bags.

[@Jay25-w8z]

Hello Jess. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@KathyW5]

I started using those photo boxes to store seeds quite a number of years ago before I saw other people use them, not because I was so brilliant, but because I had extras in my house and found a way to use them. It was just a happy accident for me. I also label each little box so I don't need to pull them out to see what's in them.