Tips for Overwintering Leftover Seeds

BY: NHGC

So is it worth trying to keep those few seeds for next year?

You know the feeling: You have a box or drawer full of half-empty seed packets, but you just can't bring yourself to throw them away. So is it worth trying to keep those few seeds for next year?

The answer? Yes, but you need to take some precautions. Seeds lose their viability (ability to germinate) at different rates, depending on the species and even the variety, according to Diana Jancik, home garden vegetable seed sales manager for Novartis Seeds in Twin Falls, Idaho. Even scientists can't pinpoint the longevity of a particular seed lot.

"Producers of seed for the gardening market constantly run tests to ensure the most vigorous seed," Jancik says. "The surest way to have the healthiest seed quality is to buy anew each year."

That said, if you do save your own seeds and are willing to accept some loss of viability, remember that heat, moisture, and (in some cases) exposure to light can hurt seeds. Seal packets in plastic or put seeds in sterile glass jars or tins. Crystals of antidessicant gel--which should be available from a local drugstore--will absorb moisture in the jar or container.

Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark place that's free of insects or pests. Temps below 39 degrees F are best. Even in ideal conditions, however, expect the germination rate of saved seed to decline each year.

Comments

By joycegraham Monday, December 05, 2011 6:50 PM

I store my seeds in the freezer if I have an abundance. You never know when you are going to have a failed crop, so this way I know I have seeds. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 10 years, if packaged correctly. I usually dry my seeds out very well, wrap them in a paper towel, identify them and place in a freezer bag. Works great! For next year's seeds, I place in the frig. My pea seeds are placed in clean, glass jars, and tucked away in a dark cabinet. They are all precious, save them all. Heirloom seeds are hard to find, and can be very expensive. Who knows when they will no longer be readily available to purchase?

By greenthumb6 Saturday, February 11, 2012 1:55 PM

You can test your seeds before you plant them to see if they are good by putting a few on a paper towel (moistened) and fold over.Wait for reccomended germination time on package to see if they have sprouted.I have done this w/seeds two years old or more and found I could use them.

By Street Saturday, October 27, 2012 10:45 AM

Thank you for this information. I have so many seeds that I want to save. I belong to a gardening club and it would give me so much pleasure to share.

By lminotti1 Thursday, November 01, 2012 1:41 PM

I too dry my seeds out well & wrap them in paper towel,identify them and place in plastic bag-sometime in cardboard box. Never thought to freeze the seeds...Thanks for the tip. I will try it out. Apple seeds that I saved & grew apple tree with,were stored in a clean pill box & small cardboard box that I made from a gift box pattern.I have given some of the seeds as gifts to family & friends too. I like the idea of storing pea seeds in a clean,glass jar & tucked away in a dark cabinet too. Thanks for sharing & happy gardening!