tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post8832492199248058452..comments2024-03-19T00:54:49.043-05:00Comments on In My Kitchen Garden: Garden Journal 1/26/10: Organizing Seed Packets (but not yet starting any seeds)Farmgirl Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851855517852917202noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-23592903634172395812010-09-10T10:37:46.013-05:002010-09-10T10:37:46.013-05:00I have just organized my seeds using an old zipper...I have just organized my seeds using an old zippered CD binder. You can see it <a href="http://keepingupwithcarol.blogspot.com/2010/09/garden-organziation-project-seed-binder.html" rel="nofollow">here</a>.<br /><br />Hope it helps someone! I love mine.Carol@KeepingUpWithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07871321912848663903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-38035566012682380902010-07-02T13:52:17.539-05:002010-07-02T13:52:17.539-05:00I recognize the Pinetree Seed packets! I love that...I recognize the Pinetree Seed packets! I love that company, I've been ordering from them for over a decade! I keep my seeds in a one gallon jar with one of those packets to keep them dry, in the fridge. I also have a terrible time getting rid of the packets of old seeds, I like your idea to give them away free. I love your blog, just found today - clicked through on a BlogHer ad link.Starlene @ GAPS Diet Journeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16224311399160168420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-43495452170180653362010-03-26T20:27:24.490-05:002010-03-26T20:27:24.490-05:00I use the little metal canisters from Lee Valley. ...I use the little metal canisters from Lee Valley. There are 40 tiny canisters with clear plastic lids in a metal case. They call them watchmaker's cases:<br /><br />http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=44948&cat=2,2260,47776&ap=1<br /><br />I write the name, year, source and maybe days to harvest on the lid with a super-fine Sharpie. I keep the cases in a small fridge downstairs that I guess is supposed to be filled with "bar" items.DrFoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00293471621360205367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-47623127164304803542010-02-08T23:28:46.811-06:002010-02-08T23:28:46.811-06:00My seeds live in a snap-top plastic box in the fri...My seeds live in a snap-top plastic box in the fridge in the garage (why we have a fridge in the garage is a long story) in complete and utter disorder. I should really follow your example and give away a whole lot of them.Marthahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06115821731964909442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-17979913314740426762010-02-02T10:34:18.797-06:002010-02-02T10:34:18.797-06:00I'm curious about saving garlic. I did get som...I'm curious about saving garlic. I did get some heirloom garlic at the winter market and am not sure the best way to store that until fall planting. They will sprout if they sit along long enough, and they really shouldn't be frozen. For some reason, I'm struggling to find info on that.Robbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03915194141694632310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-67213435496525960562010-01-30T05:02:15.449-06:002010-01-30T05:02:15.449-06:00I write the year on the top right corner of each p...I write the year on the top right corner of each packet when I buy it.<br /><br />Then for storage, I use quart and gallon Ziploc bags -- one quart bag per "crop" -- so I have one for corn, one for greenbeans, etc. Those those quart bags go into a gallon bag marked by growing time (cool weather spring, summer, cool weather fall).<br /><br />For flowers, the quart bags are marked by color (red, pink, etc), and then the quart bags go into gallon bags marked for shade or sun.<br /><br />I have seen more elaborate systems, but prefer this simple one.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br />TammyBeck's Bountyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14236737230281478972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-628686881800660352010-01-28T02:25:16.316-06:002010-01-28T02:25:16.316-06:00I need to organize my seeds! I was hoping to see a...I need to organize my seeds! I was hoping to see a cunning method by someone on line. Mine are in a haphazard collection of biscuit tins!Matronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-70164991147488125382010-01-27T17:30:07.235-06:002010-01-27T17:30:07.235-06:00I've bookmarked this post to give me organizin...I've bookmarked this post to give me organizing inspiration!<br /> <br />I've read that seeds should be kept in airtight containers with desiccant packets - but so far mine are just tucked in a cupboard. <br /><br />I just came across a bunch of seeds from 2003, and before tossing them did a quick germination test - with surprising results! I documented the process here; http://willitgrowpdx.blogspot.com/2010/01/seed-germination-test.html<br /><br />I'm looking forward to using some of the ideas above for a better system!Nikkimayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06301653428959094187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-52980007561805611642010-01-27T17:13:16.655-06:002010-01-27T17:13:16.655-06:00I'm amazed at all those seeds! But I suppose ...I'm amazed at all those seeds! But I suppose that I don't send away for any,I just buy them from the local shop in the belief that locally sold seeds will be those that will survive the conditions here. If our growing conditions were more ideal.... well that would be a different story!Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11430236104525571846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-12492462364831100792010-01-27T16:46:13.746-06:002010-01-27T16:46:13.746-06:00MAC and ValHalla,
Not to worry - just because I kn...<b>MAC and ValHalla,</b><br />Not to worry - just because I know my seeds should be stored in the fridge or freezer, doesn't mean they actually are. ; )<br /><br />My seeds are usually abused and subjected to heat and cold - and most of the time they still germinate pretty well. If nothing else, at least stick them in some sort of airtight containers.<br /><br />As I mentioned above, pepper and tomato seeds seem to stand up to lots of abuse - and I've had great germination rates from seeds that were 6 or 7 years old. For me, some seeds last better than others - lettuce seeds seem to be the worst. Most of the time they barely germinate if not used the year I buy them.<br /><br />MAC, rice should work to absorb moisture - and little muslin or cotton drawstring bags would be perfect.<br /><br />I've used pieces of bread to absorb moisture before (though not with seeds) - but sometimes this can backfire and you go back to find a scary blue-green piece of bread. I recently read that kitty litter (the old-fashioned clay type, not the new sandy clumping stuff) can be used to absorb moisture in the same way, and I've been meaning to try it.<br /><br /><b>Sue,</b><br />Sounds like you have it down! Yes - heat, light, and moisture are definitely what you want to avoid when storing seeds.<br /><br />And thanks for the reminder - I forgot to mention in my post how handy rubber bands can be! : )<br /><br /><b>Tzipporah,</b><br />Some of those seed packets really are beautiful, aren't they? I got some packets of organic seeds from <a href="http://botanicalinterests.com" rel="nofollow"><b>Botanical Interests</b></a> last year, and they were decorated with lovely watercolor illustrations.<br /><br />Years ago I came across some neat old vintage seed packets suitable for framing. Hmmm, I wonder where they went. . .<br /><br /><b>Hi Jean,</b><br />No leftovers can be good! Now all we have to do is get you saving some of your own seeds this year. : )Farmgirl Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04851855517852917202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-23454315625896690722010-01-27T16:44:14.729-06:002010-01-27T16:44:14.729-06:00Hi Everybody,
Thanks for all the great feedback. H...<b>Hi Everybody,<br />Thanks for all the great feedback. Hearing about your gardens and gardening ways is one of the best parts about keeping this blog. It's always so fun to 'talk gardening' - especially since I really don't have any friends around here who are into veggie growing like I am. : )</b><br /><br /><b>Mary W,</b><br />Your box sounds cute - and you're on the right track keeping the seed packs in plastic bags to keep out the moisture.<br /><br /><b>Susan,</b><br />I've only kept a few types of seeds in the freezer, and I'm sure the lifespan varies by type, but theoretically frozen seeds should last for years.<br /><br />Anybody else have a more specific answer?<br /><br /><b>Robbie,</b><br />Double bagging sounds like a great idea. It's so humid here in spring and summer (and most of fall!), that everything sweats like crazy when you take it out of the freezer or fridge.<br /><br />As far as I know, freezing doesn't harm any type of seeds - and in fact, some seeds won't germinate (or germinate very poorly) unless they've been 'cold treated' in the freezer - usually for 6 or 8 weeks - to simulate the natural overwintering cycle. Usually the seed packets will explain what you need to do.<br /><br />I'm blanking out which types of seeds I've bought in the past that need to be cold treated - but I do clearly remember that I almost always forget about the seeds once I've put them in the freezer - so I tend to shy away from ordering them!<br /><br /><b>Vrtlarica,</b><br />I've found that pepper and tomato seeds are the easiest to save - and usually last for years even when mistreated and left in not-so-perfect conditions. As for everything else, sometimes it can definitely be a whole lot simpler to just buy what you think you'll use and start fresh each year! : )<br /><br /><b>My Edible Yard,</b><br />There's always hope! (This coming from a girl who is perpetually disorganized - but always hopeful! ; )<br /><br /><b>Greensparrow,</b><br />Yes - moisture is the enemy when it comes to seeds. We save those little silica packets (some are like little paper pillows, some are hard plastic little cylinders) that come in vitamin and supplement containers (and some other things), and I toss a lot of them in with my seeds.<br /><br /><i>To be continued - my comments are always too long for blogger!</i>Farmgirl Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04851855517852917202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-25024625309502603662010-01-27T15:06:33.604-06:002010-01-27T15:06:33.604-06:00I did not store my seeds in the freezer--do you th...I did not store my seeds in the freezer--do you think they are toast?<br />Guess I'll be doing some germination tests, because I like to direct seed in the garden only.ValHallahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16843439954015747722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-68658796915071030312010-01-27T14:24:15.491-06:002010-01-27T14:24:15.491-06:00Since this will only be my second year having a ga...Since this will only be my second year having a garden I don't have any "leftovers". Last year I planted everything I bought as I wasn't sure how well they would do. I'm happy to hear that I can freeze the extras.jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05925212233815659494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-49048749067258204472010-01-27T14:00:28.754-06:002010-01-27T14:00:28.754-06:00Mine are sitting in a drawer in the dining room, n...Mine are sitting in a drawer in the dining room, next to the Sukkah decorations and some other random odds and ends. it makes me smile every time I open that drawer and see the beautiful pictures on the outsides of the packets, even though I have no greenhouse and can't sow anything for another couple of months.Tzipporahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08807511259582331073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-70730178815199323722010-01-27T10:03:21.753-06:002010-01-27T10:03:21.753-06:00My method is pretty much like yours. I buy those l...My method is pretty much like yours. I buy those long tupperware boxes at garage sales and store my seeds in there along with those little things they put in shoe boxes and such to keep moisture away. Then I store the boxes (yes, boxes) in the garage fridge. I rubber band together like kinds of seeds....tomatoes, peppers,lettuce, etc. My seeds last for years. Every once in awhile I make myself throw the really old ones. Once I tossed a bunch of pea seeds in the compost bin. They sprouted like crazy and I was shocked. I turned them and they made great new compost.<br />Just remember the three worst things for seeds are--heat,light,and moisture.<br />Hope everyone has a great 2010 gardening year!Suenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-49250060969388999012010-01-27T09:26:18.556-06:002010-01-27T09:26:18.556-06:00I think the rice would work well. It's used in...I think the rice would work well. It's used in salt shakers in really humid areas like down here in south Florida.My Edible Yardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07772739943580445907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-67728723533968688602010-01-27T09:08:40.135-06:002010-01-27T09:08:40.135-06:00Oh, dear, mine are in a wicker basket in a not-at-...Oh, dear, mine are in a wicker basket in a not-at-all climate controlled place. If I had time to do germination tests I would be a much better organized person than I am. <br /><br />Regarding silica packets... I wonder how dry rice (maybe in a muslin bag, or loose) would do to accomplish the same thing? Just thinking...<br />MACAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-58199033148681345082010-01-27T08:03:56.542-06:002010-01-27T08:03:56.542-06:00Your pile looks like my dining room table right no...Your pile looks like my dining room table right now... I'm trying to sort through all my seeds to get organized for spring sowing!<br />Re freezing seeds: They'll last a long time (though how long varies wildly by species), provided they are kept perfectly dry. A packet of that water absorbing silica jell stuff that comes in some packaging will help absorb any moisture and extend their life. Refrigerated seeds will last a long time too.Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14433418903218452909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-34193461110244321692010-01-27T06:05:37.077-06:002010-01-27T06:05:37.077-06:00Great post. You give me hope for my crazy mess of ...Great post. You give me hope for my crazy mess of seeds. They definitely need to be organized. A wonderful project for the weekend and I love your idea of using baggies.My Edible Yardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07772739943580445907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-693086050982078722010-01-27T03:02:09.683-06:002010-01-27T03:02:09.683-06:00Lovely post, I especially like the part where you ...Lovely post, I especially like the part where you have left all your seeds for others to take - and they took them. Usually I have lots of seeds that I can’t just throw away, but I’m not sure to whom I can give them...<br />I dot have any organization strategy for my seeds. Everything that is left from last year, stays in my garden shed, I do save some seeds every year (tomatoes and peppers) and most of it I just buy every year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-21596824404356002612010-01-26T20:39:58.121-06:002010-01-26T20:39:58.121-06:00Susan,
I'm not a horticulturalist by any means...Susan,<br />I'm not a horticulturalist by any means, but my theory is that seeds were frozen outdoors for thousands of years, and they should be able to handle my freezer!<br /><br />To answer the earlier question, I double-bag them (in case of condensation when I take them out of the freezer).Robbiehttp://going-green-mama.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-448814111204659412010-01-26T18:10:51.848-06:002010-01-26T18:10:51.848-06:00I just read your post and loved it! Just found yo...I just read your post and loved it! Just found you, not sure how! <br /><br />I do have a question...you mentioned seeds in the freezer. I have some seed packets in the freezer. How long do they last in the freezer, as in years? I could always do the germination test but I thought if you knew the answer, that would be the easy way out!<br /><br />Thanks!Susannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21318605.post-23734081906966330942010-01-26T17:14:25.816-06:002010-01-26T17:14:25.816-06:00I suspect that my way of storing seeds is way less...I suspect that my way of storing seeds is way less organized than yours. The only thing that saves me is that I've only been gardening for 9 months.<br /><br />I got a cardboard photo box at a garage sale for 10 cents. It's got a veggie gardening motif (i.e., drawings of vegetables). I put each seed pack in a sandwich size baggie and toss in the photo box.Mary Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17641862671805105095noreply@blogger.com