Discover the Best Seed Storage Containers: Seed Organization

My seed organization system was just not working out! I needed to find a solution to the chaos in my garden seed collection.

My goal is to preserve the quality and viability of my seeds while still keeping them organized and easily accessible. Finally, I have discovered the ideal seed packet storage solution!

In this post, you’ll learn how to store seeds to keep them at peak freshness, how old is too old when germinating seeds, and which seed storage container works best for a large seed collection.

Let’s get organized!

Passionate About Seeds

At MIgardener, we are passionate about seeds! With over 700+ varieties of quality heirloom seeds in our Seed Collection, you’ll find something new to grow, unique flavors, and seemingly endless varieties.

Use this post and these other great resources to help you choose the best seeds and store seeds successfully:

• How to Save Seeds

• The Difference Between GMO, Hybrid, Organic, and Heirloom Seeds

• Selecting the Right Seeds for Your Location

• How to Start Seeds Indoors

Why Proper Seed Storage Matters

Seeds are absolutely essential for future food supplies and plant diversity. Did you know that even governments and organizations worldwide keep seed banks where seeds are stored as “insurance” against catastrophic natural disasters and similar events?

For the home gardener, seed storage is about future food security: keeping unused purchased seeds and seeds saved from the garden for future growing seasons. Keeping our own store of viable garden seeds becomes increasingly important as the world's population grows and food becomes more expensive.

I want to ensure that the seeds that didn’t go into the ground last year will still be good for this year’s garden, and that’s where proper seed storage practices come in. Seeds that aren't stored right can get damaged or moldy, sprout prematurely, or lose viability.

Understanding Seed Viability Timeframes

Seed viability refers to a seed’s ability to germinate and produce vigorous seedlings. Several factors affect seed viability, including time, seed type, and storage.

First, the time seeds are in storage will change their viability. In the first 1 to 3 years that seeds are stored, you will have very little, if any, decreased viability. After that, there will be a noticeable drop in germination rates and viability from year to year.

Pro-Tip: If you have old seeds, take heart! I don’t throw out seeds, and you don’t have to either. A 0% germination rate is almost impossible if the seeds have been properly stored so you can still use them. I have successfully sprouted and grown 87-year-old tomato seeds!

Second, certain crops will have seed viability that drops off much faster than others. This includes alliums (onions, garlic, chives, and shallots have a viability window of about two years), carrots (low viability after 1 ½ to 3 years), parsnips, and celery. These seeds must be used quickly and are not a good choice for long-term storage.

How to Store Seeds

Storage practices will also affect viability. The most important factors in storing seeds for long-term (or short-term) preservation are temperature, light, and moisture!

To store seeds properly, they must be kept cool, dry, and dark.

1. Cool - Seeds should be stored below 60°F with minimal temperature fluctuations. A cool basement or root cellar is a great option if it is not too humid.

2. Dry - Seeds need to be kept dry and away from high humidity. That’s why storing seeds in an airtight container is a good idea. Too much moisture can cause mold or mildew, which will kill the seeds or trigger the seeds to germinate before you’re ready.

3. Dark - Exposure to light accelerates the deterioration of seeds. Seed packets help block light, making them a good choice for storing seeds in. Even still, always store seed packets out of direct sunlight.

Seed Storage Container Options

Now that you know how to store seeds, it’s time to explore some commonly used seed storage containers. I’ve tried them all, and I’ll tell you which is my top pick!

Creating Your Ultimate Seed Organization System

My seed collection has been a bit unwieldy and unorganized for a long time. With groups of seed packets rubber banded together and tossed into a bin, it was annoying and time-consuming to rummage through a bin of packets to find the specific seeds I was looking for.

Using a photo storage organizer was a game changer for me! Multiple seed packets can be stored in each 4” x 6” case, which fit neatly into the storage container.

I sorted my seed packets into categories with like seeds going together in each case. After labeling the top of each case, I can quickly see and grab the seeds I am looking for - no fuss, no chaos!

I grouped varieties of carrots together, then cabbages, then peppers, then tomatoes, and so on, but you do you. Sort your seeds into categories that make sense to you.

Seed Saving

Instead of buying new seeds every year, you can also start saving your own seeds from the garden year after year. Just make sure you are saving them from heirloom varieties.

Use these Seed Saver Packets to keep your homegrown seeds dry and organized. Then, you can easily store your seeds in your seed storage container or give them as gifts to friends and family.