Seed Storage and Printed Inventory
This seed storage system is easy and inexpensive. It uses readily available off-the shelf CD storage boxes and zip-lock sandwich bags. It can be expanded as needed. Instructions follow.
Prior to starting this system last year, I had my seeds mostly in a file folder box in zip lock bags, but the box was unwieldy, not large enough for all my seeds, and the file folders did not lend themselves to storage of really fat seed packets like corn, or home saved squash seeds.
The picture above shows all my seeds in four media storage containers along with an up-to-date printed inventory.
Rubbermaid 4487 Keepsake Box
I’m using Rubbermaid 4487 Media Storage Boxes – designed for CD’s and photos, but perfect for my application. They list for $14.99 each, but I got them on sale for about $7.00 each. They are readily available through many sellers.
Logging Seed Inventory
I did a complete inventory of all my seeds, putting this information into an Excel spreadsheet – plant type (flower, vegetable, herb), common plant name, variety, year of seed, source, and quantity.
- Seeds In Zip Lock Bags
I used sandwich sized zip-lock bags to store seed packets and any loose saved seed.
Alphabetical Seed Index
To alphabetize the stored seed I cut cardboard into 5 1/2” x 7 1/2” sheets. Labeled with a black marker, they made for an easy to read separator.
This system makes it very easy for me to find seed. The zip-lock bags provide reasonably good seed protection, and the boxes are easy to stack, store and handle.
How long will stored seed last or stay good?
There is no hard and fast rule. It varies by seed type and in what condition they are stored. There are charts online. Search “seed viability”. My favorite source is The Vegetable Garden by MM. Vilmorin-Andrieux. Here’s a post about the book: http://blog.cobrahead.com/2013/08/27/fall-planting-with-old-seeds-and-an-old-book/
Thanks for the helpful information. Where do you keep the boxes?
I keep the boxes on a shelf in the basement. Cool and dry is best. Noel
In our master gardener training and in much of the research I’ve done since then we are strongly discouraged from using plastic baggies of any kind to store seed in. The reason for this is humidity. It can sneak into bags even if sealed properly. I like your system but would encourage the use of paper envelops instead of baggies. I was also taught to save the silca gel packs that you find in packing materials for all kinds of products like pills, shoes and electronics. Toss in a couple to absorb the fungus causing moisture and you’re good to go.
Thanks for the tips about the silica gel packs and paper envelopes. Do you have any idea how long the silica packs are good for?
The length of time the gel packs are effective for depends upon the amount of moisture they are exposed to. Assuming a dry environment and a well sealed container they would last indefinitely (or at least until you buy a new pair of shoes.)
Seeds are best stored in a cool dry place preferably in the refrigerator. Seeds can be stored for long periods of time this way but only in an airtight container. This is why moisture control is so important. Germination rates will gradually lesson over time so always try to limit storage time to 1-2 years if possible.