🌱 SEED BANK STORAGE – PRESERVE HEIRLOOM SEEDS FOR FUTURE GROWING
✅ WHY SAVE SEEDS?
✔ Preserve rare & heirloom varieties
✔ Save money – No need to buy seeds yearly
✔ Develop climate-resilient strains
✔ Ensure food security
🛠️ MATERIALS NEEDED
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Airtight containers | Glass jars, Mylar bags, or vacuum-sealed packs |
| Silica gel packets | Absorbs moisture |
| Labels & markers | Track seed details |
| Seed envelopes | Organize small batches |
| Freezer (optional) | Long-term storage |
| Notebook/database | Record planting history |
⚙️ SEED STORAGE METHODS
1️⃣ COOL & DRY STORAGE (1-5 Years)
- Ideal conditions: <50°F, <30% humidity
- Best for: Beans, peas, tomatoes
2️⃣ REFRIGERATION (5-10 Years)
- Store in airtight jars with silica gel
- Best for: Peppers, brassicas, lettuce
3️⃣ FREEZER STORAGE (10+ Years)
- Must be completely dry before freezing
- Best for: Long-term preservation
🌡️ OPTIMAL STORAGE CONDITIONS BY SEED TYPE
| Seed Type | Storage Life | Temp | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4-10 years | 32-41°F | <30% |
| Peppers | 2-5 years | 40-50°F | <40% |
| Lettuce | 1-6 years | 32-41°F | <30% |
| Beans | 3-5 years | 50-60°F | <50% |
🔍 SEED VIABILITY TEST
- Place 10 seeds on damp paper towel
- Keep warm (70°F) for 5-10 days
- Count sprouted seeds → 60%+ = Good viability
📦 ORGANIZATION SYSTEM
✔ By plant family (Nightshades, Brassicas, etc.)
✔ By expiration year (Rotate stock)
✔ Color-coded labels (Red=urgent to plant)
🎥 DIY VIDEO GUIDES
- $5 Seed Storage Setup
▶️ Watch Here - Mylar Bag Long-Term Storage
▶️ Watch Here - Freezer Seed Bank Method
▶️ Watch Here - Community Seed Swap Tips
▶️ Watch Here - Seed Viability Experiments
▶️ Watch Here
🌻 Pro Tip: Add diatomaceous earth to stored seeds to prevent insect damage!
(Store in dark location – light degrades seed viability)
