What to Do When You Have Too Many Seeds
Follow these tips to store extra garden seeds until next season.
Often when starting plants from seed there are seeds leftover. Here's how to properly store extra seed so it has the best chance at retaining viability until next year's seed-starting season.
Keep any leftover seeds in their original packets, so you're also saving that packet's essential information! (If you do not have the original packet, put the seed into an envelope and write its type and the year it was obtained.)
Place the packet(s) (or envelope) into an airtight container, such as a lidded jar, or into a sealable plastic bag.
To enhance dryness, add rice to the container, or silica gel—you can reuse the silica packets that accompany new shoes and handbags.
Store everything in a cool, dark place. The refrigerator is ideal, but you can also use a basement.
Next year, take your seeds out of storage in midwinter, ahead of propagation season, and follow the advice in "It's Time to Inventory Your Seed Packets."
