Survival Seed Vaults: Should Preppers Buy Them?

Many preppers buy survival seed vaults as a way to have a garden during a crisis. In this video, I'll look at one of the most popular seed vaults and talk about why just buying one isn't going to save preppers during a long-term disaster.
Seed Vault Used in this Video
amzn.to/36DN1N7 (affiliate link)
Other Seed Vaults:
Sustainable Seed Company Seed Vault: amzn.to/3yXuast (affiliate link)
Survival Essentials Seed Vault: amzn.to/3kian35 (affiliate link)
Complete Survival Seeds Vault: amzn.to/3wAzQHq (affiliate link)
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[@lorit3096]

So true, we’ve had gardens for years and we still have crops fail. Just like all things for prepping learn as much as you can before you need to use the skill.

[@lizardlady4324]

If your seeds are “too old,” they won’t produce inferior plants as you assumed. It’s your germination rate that will be affected. In general, the older your packet of seeds, the fewer seeds that will come up at all. What you harvest from the ones that do come up will be fine. I’m enjoying your channel. Thank you!

[@damonclark5742]

How old is "too old"?

[@cookingsherry8784]

@@damonclark5742 It depends on the type of seed and the way they are stored. Corn seeds are reported to only be good for 2 years, although I have had luck germinating older seeds. My experience, so far, has been pretty good with seeds that are 5 to 6 years old with just slightly less germination rates. A good rule of thumb is to start twice as many seeds as you think you will need, and if the seeds are older, perhaps 3 times as many. My understanding is to seal them in a moisture-free package without an oxygen absorber (seeds need oxygen to remain viable) in a refrigerator or freezer is best. If you don't have room in a refrigerator or freezer or there is no power, select the coolest, driest place you have available.

[@damonclark5742]

@@cookingsherry8784 Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

[@Mary-zj9jz]

with seeds it good not to plant the whole pack too. An early/late frost, pest (both animal and bug) and a weather, too hot cold dry and and wet or high wind and you can loose your garden.

[@godgoldgunsngolf6733]

I used this product for my entire garden this year. Seeds worked great and so far they are producing lots of food! I will for sure buy again

[@diypreppertv]

Glad they worked!

[@FidoHouse]

Great reality check/reminder. Throwing money at supplies and gear does not make one a prepper.

[@williamhollenback9637]

Remember if you want to save your seed, to plant heirloom away from hybrids of the same species so they will not cross. (Unless you want seeds that are a new variety)

[@kayt6262]

People have no concept of the total square footage required (tilled and ready for planting) to grow enough food to live on for one year for one person. For a family? What percentage of the seeds in these vaults have long term storage capability? And what about grains? Are you familiar with how to seed save each type of seed? To think you have a pouch of seeds and you are prepared for an emergency garden to save you or your family from starvation is just silly.

[@2piece757]

Clearly if you wait till there's an emergency then you will fail

[@robertstricker9154]

I was glad to hear you bring up that seeds won't last forever, some seeds are only good for the year you buy them or the following year if your saving your own seeds, spinach for one that has a very low germination rate for the second season, others like tomatoes and beans will be viable for several years, so learning about your plants you are going to be growing is important, plus learning how to store your seeds so they will have the best germination rate the next year or however long there going to be stored, and then there's learning how to properly collect your seeds, some are as easy as just scooping them out and letting them dry, others like cabbage wont seed till the second year, I'm not trying to scare anyone away from survival gardens!! it may come down to having to raising our own food, like our forefathers did, but just do your research and like he said practice even if it's just a small garden or just a few plants do your dirt time and learn everything you can. knowledge don't weigh nothing and no one can take it away from you

[@christines2787]

So, the seed vault, in my opinion isn't a great choice. It does have a wide variety of seeds, but in some cases, like corn, it's going to take 3 seasons of saving it all for seed before you get any. Also, they may not be the best varieties for your location.

[@jimb.628]

If You grow heirloom and hybrid together, they will cross pollinate, and your saved seeds will be unpredictable.

[@cookingsherry8784]

You can create your own seed vault for a lot less by just buying 25 cent seed packets at the Dollar Tree and other places. I've had very good germination rates, they are non-gmo (mostly heirloom except corn, for reasons other commenters provided), and you can choose the varieties your family likes and what goes well in your area. IMO, the best way to store them is in a mylar bag with a zip close and NO oxygen absorber. That is important because seeds need oxygen to remain viable. Then freeze the mylar bag or store it in the coolest, driest place you have available.

[@countrypete]

Helping the algorithm

[@diypreppertv]

Thank you!

[@roberthicks5454]

I have been trying to grow gardens for the last 9 years. I have likely killed gardens with every possible manner, BUT last January I finally got some plants to grow inside. First lesson is to keep trying. You will also likely make mistakes, but learn from them and do not wait until the "fecal matter hits the air mover". Remember that it is easy to overwater bucket plants, so make sure there is a drain hole or better yet multiple ones. I lost several potato plants because of over watering without a drain hole. A good way of starting your seeds is to put them in a Ziploc bag with a wet paper towel on top. This lets you see which seeds produce roots and you do not waste time waiting on failed seeds. A good idea is to put a quarter more seeds than you want to plant to make up for the dead seeds. This will also allow you to figure out if that particular seed is better with the floaters or sinkers. When you harvest, put the seeds in water and let it set. Some seeds will float and others will sink. Separate them and test which is the viable seeds. I just did this with cantaloupe (I am going to try to grow some inside during the fall) and I found the sinkers did ok as long as they remained warm. Light and darkness did not seem to affect them much. IF you are not going to have an indoor garden, this will make sure you know which will be the seeds to use in the spring.

[@JenniferSteeves]

Thx for your video! Another good tip is those “ survival kit seed packs “ mostly have lettuce types etc and lack more carbs like BEANS. You can’t really grow the seeds in the survival pack and survive off them. It’s supplemental food. You can store seeds in your freezer for decades

[@katiegarcia8255]

This is so helpful…thank you! I’ve always wanted to see what’s inside of these pouches.

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for watching!

[@oldbloke204]

Yeah great video and on point. If you are relying on bugging out and surviving off any seeds you may as well just stay home as it ain't going to happen imo. Start out by talking to others in your area who are accomplished gardeners or look around for things like community gardens and learn as much as you can that way or read, read, read. Where I am we would end up with absolutely nothing each year if we didn't completely enclose our growing areas. Day and night there is something waiting to eat nearly everything we grow. Also start small and simple and go from there imo. Things like potatoes and garlic can be grown from an exiting plant very simply and cheaply if they haven't been treated. Thanks for the video, very down to Earth, pun intended.

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks Old Bloke! This was my first year, and like you said, I started off small. I’d rather have a good experience and positive momentum than kill all the plants and never want to do it again.

[@oldbloke204]

@@diypreppertv Yeah very smart thinking indeed. I have been growing/trying to grow stuff for decades and it is amazing just how much there is to learn about your own area let alone other areas. It is also surprising just how many resources or how much money is required to get an outcome unless you are in a very good area to grow. Another thing to think about is networking with neighbours and not all trying to grow the same things all the time. Some will do better with some plants than others. I have handed out heaps of Garlic to neighbours, received a nice pumpkin and will be giving out some bean seeds when I have them all ready. Plenty of common sense/practicality instead of just never ending drama/fear in your videos which I like. Thanks for the time you spend.

[@diypreppertv]

Great ideas! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@SuperWhatapain]

Thank you !

[@sandym6760]

Something else to research in colder areas: small DIY greenhouses, growing frames and hoop houses. Any of these would extend the growing season. Also, there's a lot of info on the web about how to regrow fruits and veggies from parts of an existing piece of fruit or vegetable. I've seen it done with celery, onions, garlic, avocados, pineapple, and so much more. :)

[@tnpreparer8903]

I have limited areas of full sun in my yard, so I grow a lot of my garden in buckets as well, so I understand what you mean about watering a lot. One thing I've been doing is to make a wicking bucket system using two or three buckets. The bottom bucket acts as a reservoir, so I don't have to water as often. There are plenty of good examples out on the web.

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks!

[@tajemmanuel1582]

Very informative.

[@rayjordan7278]

Container growth is transportable ... Harmful weather conditions allow you to move the container crop under a tarp or solid cover to avoid hail damage ... or high wind or dense rain that we see in Florida. ( ie . Hurricanes / Tropical storms.). Good product ... seeds are viable and grow well. Container growth allows for customized soil for the most desirable flavor and yield. Just a thought .... “Council with many , endures success.” Semper Fi

[@emilyhorton661]

There is a lot more to gardening than plopping a seed onto the ground. Wise words.

[@nickhouck4309]

Mulch! yes even experienced gardeners have problems because different plants react differently with the soil and sunlight. So it needs to be tried out different ways and always improved on.

[@thenubalicious]

Thank you

[@diypreppertv]

You're welcome!

[@eyeswideshut2800]

I buy seeds all the time, got that same pack and everything germinated

[@diypreppertv]

Good to know!

[@eyeswideshut2800]

@@diypreppertv I did DWC, soil and other mediums, ate them all.

[@jonpg28]

How did u start it EyesWideShut I just ordered my seeds in New to this

[@jonpg28]

@EyesWideShut how do I start it

[@eyeswideshut2800]

@@jonpg28 I'm sorry I've been moving. Do the paper towel method to germinate, watch some videos. I did my first grow germination in coco then dangled roots into any reservoir. This last grow was net cups, clay pebbles and any reservoir. I use Maxigrow, pH water with baking soda and vinegar up or down. KISS method, they respond negatively or positively to nutes instantly so easy to adjust. You'll have to study some videos to diagnose deficiencies and know what different plants need. Half strength nutes when they get their 2nd true leaves but less really is better. Sturdy short reservoirs as plants get larger or tipping hazard. Give them at least 8 hours of rest but is this veggies or girls? Don't let them dry out so know your heavy feeders. If pH is too off they may not take up nutes. I just dove right in after a lot of KZbin school, very successful first grow. Absolutely no problems and I did whatever I wanted and just listened to the plant. If this is girls it's a different situation but all plants need light, pH, nutrition (NPK), pruning and CO2 but artificial not necessary. I pH nothing first grow but did this grow because of fruiting plants, greens are easy. I did hydroponics because I didn't want bugs in my house. Get a pH meter but not that serious to start. Keep seedlings close to light but not able to burn so short, strong and resilient start.

[@user-ud7zt2vi5q]

i would recommend everyone to stock up on seeds because who wants to live off canned food that has little to no nutrients and is high in salt and sugar which is not good if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol,

[@heartofdixieprepping4797]

Not many 🌽 seeds. you need a lot of rows. Make sure you are saving seed from this year's crop. I buy Heirloom seeds/plants....but they are harder to get going and get to produce well. So start now...

[@diypreppertv]

I thought the same thing about the corn seeds. I'll probably continue to buy seed packets individually, but I know a lot of preppers use these also. As far as heirloom plants go, you are definitely correct. I have an heirloom jalapeno plant that took forever to get peppers, but it is blowing up now. I'll probably do a video over heirloom vs hybrid vs GMO soon.

[@heartofdixieprepping4797]

@@diypreppertv I'll probably do the same. I may go to the co-op to get seed. You almost have to be a seasoned gardener when it comes to the non GMO/heirloom seeds. I'll be watching for your video.

[@crackerblackson]

Thanky much

[@diypreppertv]

You're welcome!

[@aaronchambers1703]

Will you put in the next video or link a data base sheet that has a base timeline on best used by or maybe discuss on how to properly store them for "Long term" and even "short term" storage? What I mean by that is, I know that somethings will not grow in certain areas of the world or that it will be very difficult. I want to know how to store them for "long term" in case SHTF and I need to use them for trade or currency. Hey, I'm just thinking long term and outside the box a bit. I would enjoyed watching that video. Hey I know this is from July, but I have been flip flopping around your videos along with watching others. I like that some of you know each other or at least link each other in the description area. I am truthful one of the New just starting out prepper. So your videos along with some of the more popular preppers are very informative. I have learned such a great deal since watching not just your video's, but other preppers. So as someone newer to this concept, thank you, thank you very much. Keep it up.

[@Asherons]

I lost 5 blueberry bushes here in south Texas this year so far.

[@xaratemplate]

Its a great barter item

[@lylibu]

Good info and a belly laugh 🤣

[@diypreppertv]

Thank you Lylibu!

[@juliemiscera267]

i would think that you would need more seeds in quantity. If there are beans, I would want a big package of seeds to make a big row or two.

[@mino1999]

Gardening and farming isn’t easy. Also take note of the region you live in and how fertile the soil actually is. I live in Arizona so this isn’t the best option unless I head over to better pastures. Having said that, if you have a family, access to good soil and water, I would definitely invest it this. Not a whole lot of weight so no downside

[@reginafetty6374]

You can make your own soil with compost. Grass clippings, table scraps, weeds from flower beds, leaves from trees, etc.

[@WinkTartanBelle]

Just to be clear, I enjoy your channel and the way you present important information. That being said, I have to bust your chops just a little. Using a tape measure as a size comparison to the pack of seed packets, then NOT actually MEASURING with the device had me laughing. Or was that your intention? 😂🤣😂

[@diypreppertv]

As dumb as it sounds, it didn’t even cross my mind. Lol I was just looking for something close by and that happened to be there. I didn’t even think about that until you mentioned it. 🤦🏻‍♂️ The human brain does weird things when a camera is recording…

[@jopiaspieder1184]

If you freeze the seed package will they last longer?

[@cookingsherry8784]

Yes

[@udonocmee3225]

After that Alpaca joke, I do feel sorry for you. Lol

[@erroleabrown4317]

Well I got kicked out and told there were none, actually every time I try and buy anything from America the postage is to much anyway like 200 to over a thousand one time just for cloths and sheets “ I think someone hates me over there lol

[@diypreppertv]

Ain’t me!

[@chadkernell4497]

The video wasn't bad on general advice but it wasn't helpful to know if this brand is superior to other brands.

[@LovingIdaho]

survival seeds vaults may not save you but sprouting seeds might .

[@Devon_maloy]

Could you copyright Alpacalypse?

[@diypreppertv]

I wish…I’m not the first one to come up with it though.

[@manowar4046]

I got this from Amazon for $15.

[@huffpede]

I bought a couple from 4Patriots and am satisfied with how they packaged their product and how the seeds grew.

[@johncasey5594]

I looked it up out of interest. It takes 3,000 sq ft of land to feed one person. If you are an urban dweller, your standard 25x150 lot is 3,750 sq ft, so that means you would need to convert your entire lot into a garden to feed just one person. Furthermore how many calories will you burn tending to your garden from planting to harvest. Potatoes and squash perhaps, but how calorie dense are vegetables? Is it worth the sweat investment? If you have a homestead with land, you just might as well go down to your local hardware store and buy the cheaper packets and have a garden even before SHTF.

[@sandym6760]

We had a garden growing up.6 people in family, plenty of food produced, nowhere NEAR as big as what you're saying is needed for even just one person. Don't believe everything you read, get out there and see for yourself. You can do container gardens, if you don't want to till / turn over a full garden. Just be aware that the plants will have slightly different needs than when planted directly into the ground. For example, the roots will never be able to pull any nutrients from the soil, and can't go deeper to provide stability or Branch out farther to collect water. This means fertilizing differently (the same fertilizer you use on the garden might burn your container plants), providing staking / fencing / etc to give a container plant extra strength to grow, watering more often, etc. There's also other forms of gardening that can be done, such as planting in hay bales, on top of buried logs / wood, using cardboard to prevent weed growth, etc. Find what works for YOU, and go with that.

[@theshastafarian]

Where did you read this? Because it doesn’t reflect reality. Done right, 3k sq ft will feed a lot of people.