This is my seed storage area. I found this vintage card catalogue a few years ago on FBMP. As a book nerd who remembers using such card catalogues fondly, I LOVE it. I have everything organized by seed type – flowers, herbs, and vegetables. And then it is alphabetized. Now, I have far too many seeds! I had a contract with a seed company for awhile, so that's why I have SOOO many seeds. And during the winter before I place an order for anything, I go through what I have to plan what to plant — and what to donate, too.

However, you could easily store your seeds in something like this clever little box from 1Canoe2. I love this container — it latches, it’s portable, and it keeps everything in the dark. It’s a great size, too. Their seed packets are fabulous, too, for when you save your own seeds. I load this box up with the seeds I want to plant out, and then take it to the Greenhouse where I do all of my sowing.

Why is proper seed storage important?
Proper seed storage ensures that your seeds remain viable for future planting. Storing seeds correctly helps save money and ensures your plants will grow successfully season after season. Seeds can be expensive, so being able to save them from year to year is important!

What is the best way to store seeds?
The best way to store seeds is in a cool, dry, and dark place.
There are a few things that are important when storing seeds:

• Dark: out of direct sunlight

• Cool: ideally between 32°F (0°C) and 50°F (10°C), but a consistent temperature is more important than keeping them chilled unless you are hoping to store them for decades.

• Low humidity: so don’t keep them in a bathroom, a basement, or a crawlspace

• Secure from creatures: trust me. You don't want mice or anything else to get into your seeds.

I used to keep my seeds in the Greenhouse, but some mice had a rave in the Greenhouse last winter, so I moved them all inside instead. A much better solution. 

Can I store seeds in the refrigerator?
Yes, storing seeds in the refrigerator can be an effective way to extend their shelf life, especially if you live in a very humid climate. Just make sure the seeds are sealed in an airtight container to prevent moisture damage. Avoid freezing seeds unless you are storing them long-term, as freezing can damage certain types of seeds.

How long can I store seeds?
The lifespan of seeds varies depending on the type. Most seeds can be stored for 1-5 years, while some, like tomatoes and beans, last longer, and others, like onions and carrots, have shorter viability periods. Always check the recommended storage life for the specific plant type to get the best results.

On a seed packet, it will have a "packed for" date. That's the year for which those seeds should be sold. 

Over time, a seed's viability – its ability to germinate – may degrade. That's due to a wide range of factors including humidity, temperature fluctuations, and storage conditions. 

Rule of thumb:

• Vegetable seeds: 3-6 years of viability

• Fruit seeds: 2-6 years of viability

• Flower seeds: 1-3 years of viability

• Herb seeds: 1-3 years of viability

What does degradation look like? Lower rates of germination. The percentage of seeds that germinate gets lower over time. 

How can I tell if my seeds are still viable?
To test seed viability, you can do a simple germination test. Place a few seeds on a damp paper towel, roll it up, and keep it in a warm spot. After a few days, check for sprouting. If most of the seeds germinate, they’re still good to plant. If not, it’s time to replace them. But honestly, I usually don’t bother with this. I just plant them. If they haven’t sprouted in the time they should (check the seed packet), then I buy more seeds.

However, let's talk about the Beal Seed Experiment. In 1879 – 146 years ago – Professor William Beal buried bottles of seeds in the ground at Michigan State University. They were “weed” seeds, and the objective was to help farmers know how long their fields would require weeding if no new seeds were ever introduced. Over the last 146 years, those bottles have been unearthed and some seeds have germinated every time – the most recent bottle being unearthed in 2021. The next installation in what is called one of the world's longest science experiments will happen in 2040. 

So, do you need to throw away your older seeds? Not necessarily. But over time fewer and fewer will germinate, so you may need to adjust your expectations.