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Saving and Storing Seed

Nov 27, 2010

On last nights Gardeners World [UK] they briefly touched on saving and storing seed. If you can see it, the programme is available here. I know the BBC restricts the use of its 'I Player' so it may not work.

It would appear that the two factors that affect seed longevity are temperature and humidity. Both should be kept as low as possible. One good method of storage is to keep your seed in a large tin box with a tight fitting lid. Inside the tin keep a small sachet of fresh silica gel. If you don,t have silica gel you can use rice that has been dried in the oven and tied in a small muslin bag. Keep the tin box in an unheated shed or your root cellar, if you have one.

I found these two documents that are of interest [1] [2].

In the programme they mentioned the Harrington Seed saving Rules, but i can,t remember what these are and i havn,t been able to google them either.

Glenn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Allotmentmanyork

I have been a keen organic kitchen gardener for longer than i care to remember. I have an allotment in York, England where i grow as many different fruits and vegetables as the climate will allow.

Comments

Allotmentmanyork

Sat, 11/27/2010 - 02:23

If anyone you know gets any electrical equipment for Christmas you could ask them to keep the small sachet of silica gel for you. There is always one in there nowadays.

Everett

Mon, 11/29/2010 - 16:01

Great idea Glenn, I keep my seeds in little jars, in a plastic storage box, in the refridgerator. I'll get some silica to put in the container. Thanks.