4 Tips On Storing Seeds For Both Long Term And Short Term Use.
By Paul Kigen.
Storing survival and emergency seeds is not a new practice. It’s probably as old as humankind. The overall idea of this practice is to store portions of the best seeds from the most essential foods, mainly grains, and vegetables.
This practice is usually a preparation for the probable occurrence of a worldwide catastrophe capable of wiping out all vital food resources.
Survivors of such tragedies are expected to get the most out of their stored seeds by replanting them as required thus ensuring the sustained existence of mankind.
The most common seeds that everyone ought to store include, tomato seeds, eggplant seeds, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, cantaloupe seeds, and distinct seeds from distinct herbs.
In order to ensure that you only store valuable seeds for use in times of crisis, keenly peruse through our detailed tips listed below.
1. Choose the right seeds to store.
The best seeds to store are the ones from non-hybrid plants and open-pollinated plants. Some of these types of plants will produce their mature seeds in the 1st or 2nd year.
It is imperative that you collect up to date information regarding each type of vegetable and grain so you can comprehend when it’s the ideal time to let them seed and then eventually reap the seeds.
There is plenty of information online covering the harvesting and planting procedures’ of every grain and vegetable seeds from collards and carrots.
You are also advised to buy your initial set of seeds from a trusted seller, so he can grant you additional information regarding the exact kind of seeds you ought to store given your area’s environmental condition and how you can use every seed.
2. Prepare your seeds for storage.
Preparing your chosen organic seeds for storage typically requires some cleaning and air drying prior to storing them away.
This procedure requires removing husks, pods, or other non-essential materials prior to leaving the seeds in a cool, dry area, or out in the sun.
Contingent upon the type of your seed, the drying procedure might even last a week or more. Nonetheless, ensure that you don’t store any extra moisture from their surroundings’. Wet seeds’, such as tomato seeds may need some extra effort, i.e., fermenting, prior to drying them so as to improve their storability.
Kindly note that this stage can be perilous, so it’s crucial that you do some reading prior to attempting the procedure.
3. Store the seeds in moisture-proof containers.
You probably already understand that seeds + water results in new plants and it’s as simple as that. So as to secure your seeds from moisture, you need to store all your dried seeds inside moisture-proof and airtight storages such as foil laminated packages and Ziplock bags.
Foil laminated packages act like vapor barriers, thus keeping all external moisture from getting in contact with your seeds. The most crucial thing at this point is storing your seeds away from moisture.
Another suitable procedure you can use to store your seeds for both short and long-term survival is by placing the Ziplock bags inside resealable glass jars. Spaghetti jars and canning jars are also perfect tools for this purpose since they all have airtight lids.
Desiccant packs can be placed inside the jars as extra insurance against moisture.
4. Last but not least; Store your containers in dark, dry, and cool areas.
This is pure chemistry. Seeds need an amalgamation of water, light, and heat so as to reproduce. To ensure that your seeds do not reproduce before they are needed to, place them in areas these ingredients won’t be accessible.
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