How to Organize Seeds with a Seed Storage Box: Tips and Tricks

As someone who LOVES both organizing and gardening, I’ve tried all sorts of seed storage systems.

Last year, I discovered my “forever” seed storage method, and I’m excited to share it with you today. 🙂

The Fundamentals of Seed Storage

When it comes to storing your garden seeds, there are a few fundamental principles to should keep in mind because proper seed storage is essential for the long-term viability of seeds.

First and foremost, it is important to keep your seeds out of direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can cause your seeds to degrade and lose their viability over time.

Another key factor to consider when storing seeds is moisture. Moisture can cause your seeds to mold or rot, which can render them useless for planting.

To protect against moisture, make sure your seed storage container is airtight and moisture-proof. You can also add a desiccant, such as silica gel, to absorb any excess moisture.

It’s also important to ensure that your seeds are dry before storing them. Any moisture left in your seeds can make them rot. You can dry your seeds by spreading them out on a tray or screen, and placing them in a warm, dry location for several days.

When it comes to long-term seed storage (5 years or longer), cold storage is often the best option. Seeds stored in a cool, dry location can remain viable for many years. For cold storage, you can use a refrigerator or freezer.

Just be sure to label your seed storage container clearly.

However, for seeds that you plan to worth through within a few years, freezing or refrigeration isn’t necessary. The message I use is a repurposed storage box, and I just keep it in a dry, dark place.

Choosing the Right Seed Storage Box

We have a few options here. First, I’ll share what I use, then discuss a few alternatives in case you’re looking for something different.

Photo Storage Box

This is what I now use and absolutely love! While these boxes are designed to hold photographs, their built-in compartments make organizing seeds a breeze.

The best part? I don’t have to take the whole box out to my garden. I can grab one compartment at a time, depending on what I’m planting.

Each case is completely enclosed, so it naturally protects against dirt and water from reaching the seeds.

(Trust me, this is a BIG benefit. Once year, I lost multiple packs of tomato seeds because I accidentally set them on a wet surface.)

Seed Storage Box

There are boxes designed specifically for storing. They usually have some sort of divider and come in a variety of sizes, from small boxes that can fit in a drawer to larger boxes that can hold hundreds of seed packets.

Seed storage boxes are an excellent choice for gardeners who have a large collection of seeds to organize.

Recipe Box

A recipe box can also be used to store garden seeds. These boxes are typically smaller than seed storage boxes and have a hinged lid. Though designed to hold recipe cards, the dividers can be used to separate seed packets instead:

When choosing a seed storage box, consider the size of your seed collection and the amount of space you have available for storage. Seed storage boxes with dividers or compartments are ideal for keeping things organized and easy to find.

Whatever type of box you choose, make sure it is sturdy and durable enough to protect your seeds from moisture and pests.

Organizing Seeds in Your Storage Box

Once you’ve chosen your seed storage box, it’s time to organize your seeds. This will help you keep track of what you have, what you need, and when it’s time to plant.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Sort by Planting Season

Sorting your seeds by planting season is a great way to stay organized. You can use different colored tabs or labels to separate your seeds by spring, summer, and fall.

This will help you know exactly when to plant each seed and keep your garden growing all year round.

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Group by Plant Type

Grouping your seeds by plant type can also be helpful. You can separate your seeds by vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits.

This will make it easier to find what you need when it’s time to plant.

Use a Table or Spreadsheet

If you have a lot of seeds, you can create a table or spreadsheet to keep track of them. You can include the name of the seed, the planting season, the plant type, and any other information you want to track.

Ensuring Seed Viability and Germination

Seeds are living organisms that require specific conditions to remain viable and healthy.

Here are some tips to help you maintain seed viability and increase germination rates:

Keep Seeds Dry and Cool

We already mentioned how important it is to keep seeds dry and cool. High humidity can cause seeds to absorb moisture, which can lead to mold and rot.

High temperatures can also reduce seed viability and germination rates. The ideal storage temperature for seeds is between 35-40°F with a relative humidity of less than 40%. Bear in mind that temperature range is for long-term seed storage of 5+ years.

I have stored my “regular use” garden seeds at room temperature for 3 years without issue.

Store Seeds in Airtight Containers

To prevent moisture from getting to your seeds, store them in airtight containers. Mason jars, plastic containers, and resealable bags are all good options.

(That’s another reason why I love my repurposed photo storage organizer.

Don’t forget to label your containers with the seed type and date of storage.

Check Seed Viability

Before planting your seeds, it’s a good idea to check their viability. A simple germination test can help you determine if your seeds are still viable.

To perform a germination test, place a small number of seeds on a damp paper towel and keep them in a warm, dark place.

Check the seeds regularly to see how many have germinated. If a high percentage of seeds have germinated, you can be confident that your seeds are still viable.

Use Fresh Seeds

Using fresh seeds can also increase your chances of germination success. As seeds age, their viability decreases. If you’re not sure how old your seeds are, it’s a good idea to purchase new ones.

Repurposing Items for Seed Storage

If you’re looking for an affordable and eco-friendly way to store your seeds, consider repurposing items you already have at home. Not only will this save you money, but it’s also a great way to reduce waste and give new life to old items.

Here are a few ideas:

• Pill organizers: These are great for storing small amounts of seeds or for organizing by planting season.
• Plastic bins: You can use these to store larger seed packets or to organize by plant type.
• Mason jars: These can be used to store larger seed packets or to create a seed-saving kit. Simply fill the jar with seeds, add a label, and store in a cool, dry place.
• Shoeboxes: These can be used to store larger seed packets or to organize by planting season. Add dividers or labels to keep everything organized.
• Ziploc bags: These are great for storing seeds that need to be kept dry. Simply label each bag with the variety and planting date.

No matter what you choose to use, make sure to store everything in a dry, dark place.

Keeping a Record: The Importance of a Seed Log

When it comes to gardening, keeping a record of your seed collection and planting history is essential. This is where a seed log comes in handy.

A seed log is a record of the seeds that you have purchased, planted, and harvested. It helps you keep track of your seed inventory and planting history, making it easier to plan for the future.

A seed log can be a part of your garden journal or a separate document altogether. Here are a few data points you may want to track:

• Seed company and catalog number
• Seed variety
• Date of purchase
• Price
• Number of packets
• Seeds per packet
• Date of planting
• Number of cells/containers
• Number of seeds planted
• Date of germination
• Number of plants that germinated
• Date of harvest
• Quantity of harvest

By maintaining a record of your seeds, you can ensure that you are using the best quality seeds and making informed decisions about what to plant in the future.

Seed catalogs can be overwhelming, and it can be challenging to remember which seeds you have already purchased.

A seed log helps you avoid purchasing duplicates and wasting money!

Not only that, a seed log can help you identify which varieties of seeds perform well in your garden. By noting the date of planting, germination, and harvest, you can see which seeds perform best in your climate and soil conditions.

I hope this post gave you some great ideas for storing your seeds. I personally love my seed box! Happy gardening. 🙂