My HUGE Seed Mistake: I Messed Up! Flower Hill Farm

Hi Flower Friends! It's Nicole from Flower Hill Farm- today I am sharing the devastation of leaving seeds in cardboard boxes in a garage. Well over $1,000 in inventory. Eaten. Don't be like me. Please use containers.
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[@rebekahp6618]

My grandma, who grew up on a farm, always stored her seeds in glass jars. Mice can even chew through the plastic bins. They can't gnaw through glass. You could even use empty pasta sauce jars if you don't want to buy canning jars. RIP sunflower seeds.

[@CariMachet]

Thats what I do I hate plastic on may levels

[@ElinWinblad]

Yea but plastic ones are no issue if inside the house

[@jackburns804]

I agree with all the above there’s very little that can stop a mouse from chewing through. We stored our sunflower birdseeds in a Rubbermaid trashcan probably an eighth of an inch thick and mice chewed right through that thing.

[@jcking6785]

Glass or metal - pretty much the only things mice cannot chew through.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Christmas cookie tins work as well.

[@jolenemiller622]

Thank you for being real. Today and always. Your authenticity and transparency is such a gift. No, you're not an idiot. You're human! My seeds are still in a cardboard box, as I didn't return them to their predator-proof storage location after doing inventory a couple weeks ago. I need to fix that today!

[@NicolesGardenNS]

1- She IS too pretty to work 🐈 2- Literally RUNNING to my giant cardboard box of seeds to check them and rethink my storage solution (they are fine, whew!) 3- I started Lisianthus yesterday too, on my birthday 🥳 That’s so I’ll remember when I started them 😊

[@crystallynn2091]

those little buggers! Hope you get lots of extra views and interaction after this to help fund those repurchases!

[@Fortheloveof.gardening]

I learned this lesson few years back….only metal and glass from then on. 😊

[@kitcatforever]

i have a bunch of my seeds in shortbread cookie tins from Costco

[@southerngrits920]

Friend said she uses essential oil peppermint with cotton balls. Glass jars are good too

[@beverleysimmons7885]

So sorry to hear this. Please wear a mask while dealing with this. 💝.

[@joyhamilton4248]

Bummer man!! Sorry you had to learn the hard way. My Mom used to keep everything in cardboard but would use cinnamon and mothballs around the garage to keep the mice away.

[@lindapenrose5278]

My dad was a great gardener and raised a lot of vegetables. I remembered him growing carrots and in the fall he would cover them with straw, leaves and then a couple wood planks. Mid winter he would move the snow and harvest big delicious carrots. Years later I decided to do as dad did. I boasted to my wife about the beautiful huge carrots I would be digging. The winter day came and with great delight I uncovered my anticipated he harvest. But, to my shock and disappointment I found that I had provided the mice with a perfectly warm and cozy home… complete with a stocked pantry of delicious fresh carrots. All gone😢. My wife Linda got a good laugh out of it. Roger Penrose, the not so wise gardener, live and learn.

[@beccamanning2531]

oh no!! I was reading like oh that's such a good idea haha-- I guess I will just harvest at frost

[@moniquenadeau1630]

Oh no!!! 😢😢😢😢😢

[@myrrhidian3166]

I guess I should also invest in some of those plastic totes. I keep some of my seeds in galvanized containers, but like you I don't have enough containers for everything. I'm sorry this happened to you!

[@thewildfireweed]

Oh no Im so sorry! gosh what a loss

[@karenschwartz5209]

So sorry😢....

[@standinntherain]

Mice are such TURDS! So sorry. I hope Brad continues his conquering quest.

[@petrapiciacchia2456]

So sorry for your seed loss. Also you might want to wear a mask so you’re not inhaling any Hanta virus from the mice, if any of the mice were infected with it.

[@ChrisCalmtheCrazy]

Mice can chew thru plastic bins. Rats, (if you put your seeds in a barn like another idiot, me), can eat thru a plastic cooler and concrete. So, they best that has worked for me so far is metal bins like the huge ones at Christmas that cookies come in. I have four of those photo containers, but like you, I have too many seeds on one variety to go in one photo bin. I have cried over a similar incident. I feel your pain!

[@shaundaflips2482]

Mice got into my sunflower seeds last year. I was blessed to have 3 volunteers pop up in the spring because the mice didn't eat 100% they saved some for later and they germinated right by my kids' swingset. I hope you get some sunflower surprises and can save seeds from them.❤ sorry about your stock of seeds ❤

[@alexbruce3768]

Thank you for sharing the bad things along with the good! I will not do this anymore in the future

[@maidstoneplantfarm8079]

Thankyou. This was a good reminder for me. I store my seed in a large metal bin but I get careless at times. I have friends who store their seed in an old refrigerator. Many of the big seed companies have huge airtight vaults with dehumidifiers. Even with big steel vaults, a door can be left open and the little mice make a run for heaven. A worst-case scenario would be rats that can gnaw their way thru just about anything.

[@relaxingnatures81]

So sad what happened but lesson learned...

[@kimberlyrubino2791]

Harbor Freight has those Ammo boxes for less than ten dollars and they are super sturdy and would hold a large amount of large envelopes and won't crack when dropped.

[@serenababy6358]

I'm so sorry that happened!!! I went to Michaels craft store after watching this and I bought a photo holder for my seeds. They are 70% off so I got a great deal on it.

[@johnhochmuthjr3470]

Much less of a loss now than when mice eat seedlings,

[@margarethale3509]

I’m so sorry for your loss of seeds!! I would be so devastated as well! You’re not an idiot it looks (from what I have watched of your channel) that you stay so busy and are always working hard. Be gracious with yourself, but no to the cardboard boxes going forward!! Thanks for sharing your very real grief about this with us!!!!

[@nothingpersonal878]

SOB! Going to check my seeds now!

[@cbak1819]

Hey Nicole, I watched your seed calendar video from wayback, I really like the idea, dislike putting in all the information, even though it was nice and easy to copy Google sheets. Have you made your full Google sheet flower schedule available? If Not I have a great suggestion.. Google Calendar on iPhone. I'm inputting my start dates and transplant dates in there, so it's on my phone, really easy you could put all the information you need to start your seeds and went to transplant and went to harvest and its color coated... I really like that. Well ...I hope that helps someone. Love and God bless.

[@elmaelmar2761]

I am so sorry what a loss. The mouse probably told all his relatives to come and have a party.

[@squashit339]

Sorry about the seeds 😔 yeah she's too pretty to work. Wow what a gorgeous cat she grew into!!

[@jeanninemorgan3526]

Oh no, Nicole! How upsetting! Don’t beat yourself up - we all make mistakes, despite our best laid plans. Your authenticity is one of the reasons why your channel is so successful. Best of luck recreating your seed history ❤️

[@amandaknaul9165]

Don't get down on yourself and beat yourself down. You are amazing and intelligent. We all love you and your hard work. It takes courage to come on here and be real and honest with us. And we appreciate you. ❤

[@bernadinenewland5100]

The plastic containers will not stop the mice either. It will definitely slow them down a bit but it will not stop them. Metal bullet cases are a great way to store them

[@SunshineGarden-9B]

So sorry to hear this, Nicole! A lot of money lost... But look on the bright side, you get to shop for new seeds!! Don't know how encouraging this sounds but I tried lol

[@bethhubbs9937]

I wonder if you can use what seeds are left and just mix and sprinkle them like wildflower mix in a certain area on your property. Maybe you'll be able to salvage some use out of them after all. But you'll probably need to wear a mask and gloves to handle everything just to be safe. Sorry for the loss but thanks for sharing. Maybe it will help someone else avoid the trouble.

[@kelevettanwajagu5940]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Dont forget to Index your boxes. You are doing awesome 👌 👏🏿

[@wesleymobley1393]

Get a box of jiffy cornmeal mix and baking soda, mix together put out. It works. They build up gas and can't get rid of it. I don't know the exact measurements but it worked. Saw on KZbin.

[@madelinerivera7445]

Ahhh, I just found you. I'm so glad!! Finally someone keeping it real. So now I have to catch up. I love the videos where you show how you arrange the bouquets. I have much to catch up on. And I love your choices of flowers as I listen intently to hear the names of the flowers. I seriously went out to my garage today and got my seeds outta there. You took it like a champ! $1000 in seeds, I would die!! Anyway, thanks for sharing. Now I'm off to see your other videos!!

[@Georgeous.Garden]

Oh my! I would be upset and mad too. We all make those kinds of mistakes one way or another, so don't be so hard on yourself! I've had mice chew through plastic too, so beware. I still keep my seeds in plastic boxes but I store them in our old garage refrigerator.

[@katieshelton8117]

So sorry for your loss! Hourly by making a video, you at least are able to help prevent it from happening to someone else

[@AlanM-b9p]

I use a surplus ammo can to store my seeds. The one I use is metal but there are plastic ones also. Mine is an army surplus one that I bought for $10 eight years ago. The rubber gasket is still in pristine condition that keeps the container airtight. They come in various sizes.

[@carols1030]

Metal cookie tins are the best. Dark, dry and rodents cant get at them. What a shame!

[@vj563]

That's actually a great idea. Keep the moisture out, and anything else too.

[@lurk1953]

Isn’t that funny. Army combat solution. It’s us humans vs them critters!

[@spontaneousun]

There are flat plastic bins the size of the photo bins but half the height without dividers that could use for larger seeds! Becky at acre homestead uses them for peas/ corn/ beans and generally larger seeds.

[@spontaneousun]

I think they are called scrapbook cases

[@robynne2479]

The very next thing I’m going to do is order a photo storage box! I passed it off as something I could do without……nope! Thank you for posting ❤

[@lwjenson]

If you need storage for big packets you could try a 5 gallon bin with those screw on lids. I'm so sorry this happend to you!

[@lindaknight7052]

😥I'm so sorry! Don't beat yourself up. We all get busy and do stuff like this even though we know better and know we should take the time to do it right.

[@paisleyjane9606]

Kitties, what's for dinner, you ask? Mice, strictly self-service!

[@theresaburg5881]

Mice can also get into the plastic bins as well-they chew through the side of the bin. They went for the ones in the cardboard as they are easier to get at. So sad. Hopefully you can save most of what is left.

[@lindasteenhuis2639]

Been there, done that. Happens to all gardeners at some stage.. I feel your pain.

[@kittiew260]

Oh no I am so sorry. I started transplants of cucumbers, zucchini, and sunflowers and put the rack in my garage overnight as it got too cold. A week later, I looked why seeds were not germinating..a squirrel ate all the inner but left seed shell. Thank goodness ones I could plant quickly. I feel your pain.

[@Floraltherapyfe]

Cats off duty or what?! Get to work ladies! I will be sending you seeds and I’m sure many others will too! I have way too many for the space and time I have this year so this is my sign ❤

[@jamievarblow1685]

Oh, no! I'm so sorry!! I have the photo bins, also a bin with tiny tic-tac sized containers for seed storage... and I'm expanding into metal tea tins. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but I don't want to lose seeds - it would be devastating... also, I kinda keep my seed purchases a little to myself so he doesn't know how many I have that still need 'a home'. :) Good luck, Nicole!

[@elizabethlehman7375]

I'm so sorry Nicole!!!

[@sherinilsson6810]

I hate those hard lessons-why is experience the best teacher? I now even put the plastic bins in metal garbage cans with lids!

[@sunitashastry5270]

Sorry for you loss of so many seeds. Thanks for your timely warning. I will redo some of my seed collecting storage. I am a home gardener so I don’t have so many sees. But I am setting up a new system in 2024. So your sad mistake is timely advice for me!

[@ProfCirillo]

My flower seeds are on the refrigerator. Is this a bad idea? I figured whatever needed stratification would somewhat be ready after being in the fridge. But maybe there are some that that is not a good idea for?

[@emman5758]

I’m so sorry for your loss 😢

[@kathypope3010]

Thank you for thinking of us and sharing this. It's so nice to see someone who thinks of others instead of only their image. You are amazing.

[@valerieoster8049]

So sorry, Nicole!

[@gwen6518]

I have my seeds in those storage bins like you but i also have them in my spare fridge in the basement.

[@LornaVeinot]

Sorry this happened to you. That sucks! Best of luck ordering and getting new seeds in a timely manner. Love watching your videos. Not so patiently waiting for spring and warmer weather, your friend from Nova Scotia. 🇨🇦

[@thunder402]

I am sorry to hear about your hungry mice. This year with no snow on the ground they are coming inside. I have traps everywhere in garages and sheds. I went to Tractor Store to get more traps and they were sold out! Lesson learned...enjoy your new seed shopping. It will be alright.

[@starmountaingardens]

Yikes!! Crazy that they got into the cupboard. Thanks for the timeline for the petunias and lisianthus.

[@kathleenastley2584]

I stored mine in the garage in plastic zip lock bags in cardboard box! Mice ate them. I am only a home gardener not flower farmer but I know a little bit of how you feel. Mine are all in those plastic bins you have. You know live and learn! 😢 but glass does sound good too!

[@juliekahler632]

Mice are so destructive. Sorry for your loss of inventory. Good reminder for all of us to store in better containers.

[@lauramccoy1195]

Let me just say first, I’m SO sorry about your seed loss!! But, THANK YOU for sharing this! I have my seeds in a bin in the garage (neatly organized of course) but I never thought about this issue! I have traps near my heat mats under my grow lights and mice have been caught! I’m def getting enclosed bins. Sadly, your loss is our gain but thank you for sharing this!!

[@licokitty]

That happened to me with my books. Had them in a big plastic storage bins and they chewed through and ate my books. Books since I've had childhood. I was so sad.

[@daisyblooms4813]

Oh no, I'm so sorry :-(

[@patriciacole8773]

I have my seeds in the same plastic photo bins. I haven’t found them in over a year. Lord please help me find them(safe)

[@margarethairsine8648]

Thank you for sharing I really needed to see this today. I have many seeds still in the shipping envelopes just sitting on the work bench in my garage. Sorry for all your loss xo

[@betty_haynes]

Oh gosh! I’m sure that’s quite upsetting! Rats will chew through plastic totes… so if you’re entire collection ever gets ravaged, you need to get a bigger trap 😂

[@lindahyatt3935]

This happened to me just yesterday! The rotters! I wasn't such a lady about it, though. It's a mix of anger, frustration, grief, sadness and, then, the realization that you have to assess the damage and order it all again. And, whose got time for that??? Grrr...

[@carolvanwitzenberg3174]

OMG! so sorry for loss, 😢

[@makingMyHouseaHome412]

I’m so sorry for you. I feel your pain.

[@crzyforaz6473]

For as many seeds as you have, you need a gun safe. It would give you. plenty of room to stack the plastic containers and even keep things better organized. It wouldn't even have to lock. It would be really hard for the mice to get in there.

[@peggyjk]

I used to keep mine in a shoe box but a couple years ago I switched, thanks for the reminder!

[@ashleyclements4292]

Oh no 😢 I am so sorry. Laura from Garden Answer uses cd storage bins for all her bulk seeds. This is a great opportunity to add new to your seed stock! Don't beat yourself up too bad.

[@Talula72]

I'm so very sorry 😢😢😢. We all make costly mistakes and it always feels so awful

[@Mabelscorner]

Holy moly. I’m so sorry. I’m definitely going to go check my seeds now.

[@rebeccagonzales5686]

I’m so sorry that happened 😢💐

[@madisonsinger2518]

Sorry to hear about the loss of seeds to mice; I store my seeds in my house in a Wegman's bag; I live with 9 cats; too many cats really however, mice are not a problem in the house or garden; now I'm more thankful for them & the service they provide; love your shirt; is it part of your merch? wishing you a Happy, healthy & prosperous 2024 from Allentown, PA; former Cooperstown, NY

[@BushPoppyFarm]

Ugh. Been there too. Two years ago mice actually ate big holes in my bee suit. Expensive mistake :( Now seeds and bee suits are in sealed tubs).

[@tracyhillman]

yes made same mistake before, but luckily I only had a little bit. So sorry this happened to you

[@meandmysunshine1]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. You have just been very, very busy! Don't beat yourself up. 💞

[@gardingyrl3501]

Are your petunias seeds that you lost called superbissima petunia seeds and white lace?

[@ambremarie]

This happened to me the first year i was drying sunflower heads in the garage. 😢 So sorry!!!!

[@HHeirloomIA]

Eeek! I'm paranoid now and going to check my stashes asap!!! Sunflower seed are meeces fav!😢

[@mio.giardino]

Oh no!! 😮 Too them on a compost pile and see what ya get?

[@karenciotti1795]

So sorry you were invaded by the"Mouse Squad!" I know how you feel because when I see evidence I have mice, it freaks me right out! I wash all my dishes, my silverware and any place they've been. I hate killing any form of life. I catch bugs, bees, and hornets after they land on the windows and take them outside and let them loose. But mice are so nasty! Well, lesson learned! I agree with the comment about the glass bottle storage. Come up with a plan and they won't "eat" up your money again, Love Gram ❤

[@janaimaughan3599]

I’m so sorry!!

[@helgaireland]

Sorry for your seed loss. Thank you for warning us. I had no idea that a mouse would eat my flower and vege seeds. Oh boy!

[@melissamiew4056]

My heart. That was painful to watch. :( I'm so sorry for you. Dang cute, evil critters.

[@malva4838]

I'm so sorry! That really sucks. But I know you'll come back from this better than ever! Michael's has the plastic bins on sale if you want to order a bunch 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@southroadmarket]

Noooooo! Devastating 😭

[@kellyferren2705]

Oh God I cried for you that so sucks ..that happen to me years ago but now I keep my seeds in an old beer fridge its not plugged in it doesn't work anyway but it's great for seeds keeps the rodents out and the dampness...so sorry this happen

[@jessicawoodruff3078]

I saved some silver edge squash seeds and had them up on top of a cabinet I thought was safe. Gone. All of them. My loss isn't even close to yours, but it's definitely a learning lesson!

[@drydockflowerfarm9098]

So sorry 😢 that is tragic

[@lizteske4453]

Oh I am sorry Nicole! It could happen to anyone. I have been guilty of storing my seeds this way too from time to time.

[@kathyaakananabluebird]

So sorry this happened.

[@sunflowerflight]

Nicole, I am so sorry that this happened to you. I think you need to show yourself some grace though. You have had so much on your plate this year like I am in awe of all you do. We are all human and we make mistakes.

[@paulhanson7329]

I put my photo cases of seeds inside to old steel picnic coolers with lock lids. Keeps dry and dark.

[@maryellenwalz7415]

Wow. So sorry.

[@shanaswhimsy7549]

Oh no! I am so sorry.