Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
holes tiny enough for just the chaff-not the seeds-to fall through.
Try gently blowing on the seeds to remove any chaff.
Place your seeds in airtight containers. Plastic yogurt containers
and paper envelopes work well. Keep them in a cool, dry spot such
as a refrigerator or a cool, dry storage room. The main reason seeds
do not last is because they become moldy or rot, both of which are
caused by extreme changes in temperature or humidity.
Most seeds will last two to four years if saved and stored properly.
If you are not sure whether your seeds are still good, it's easy
enough to test their viability. Spread ten seeds on a damp paper
towel. Place the towel and the seeds into a resealable plastic bag and
seal it. Put the closed bag in an area out of direct sunlight-the top of
your refrigerator is a good spot. Check back in four to ten days to
see how many seeds sprouted. This will give you an indication of the
percentage of seeds that will sprout if you plant them in your
garden.
Whether or not you choose to save your own seeds, it is important
to know how. There is more and more concern about how vegetable
seeds are being grown and stored. If every home gardener chose to
save only one variety of vegetable, it would make a difference. Start
a seed bank in your community so you can support your fellow
gardeners and the environment, and save yourself some money by
sharing the seeds.
