How to save the seeds for the subsequent plantation. – Blog

Whether it works in the garden with pure passion or cultivate plants and vegetables as a profession, to know the importance of the seeds. Without them we could not enjoy the fruits of the earth or the beautiful flowers that delight our senses. It doesn't matter what you want to plant, you must first get seeds. However, over time you will realize that you have many unused seeds.

If you want to be able to use them next year, you have to know how to keep them without damaging them. Read on and find out how to correctly keep the seeds for the next plantation.

What factors influence seeds?

Before you tell you more about the optimal conditions to keep the seeds, let's take a look at the most important factors that threaten their longevity. Like any other organic question, the seeds degrade over time. To keep them alive it is necessary to pay attention to 3 key factors that influence the life cycle of seeds: light, temperature and humidity.

Let's see them now one by one and we understand what effects they can produce. Incandescence Conditions the evolution of plants, without it they could not grow. Plants literally feed on light. But let's not forget that there is a small «embryo» within each seed that should not yet be exposed to natural light. Leaving them in the sun will make the seeds «leave the pods» faster than necessary.

humidity It is another key factor without which the plants could not survive or grow. In the case of seeds, however, humidity has the same effect of light: it promotes the development of the plant. The humidity can soften the external layer of the seed, increasing the risk of rotting. If you want the seeds to be good again next season, you have to avoid humidity at all costs.

Temperature Higher is another condition that most plants must start living. However, during the storage period we want me to sleep. Therefore, the maximum temperature in the conservation environment must not exceed about 15 ° C.

It is also good to remember that sudden changes in temperature/humidity are dangerous, since they reduce the life of the seeds.

How is it an ideal space for preserving seeds?

As I said before, the light is absolutely necessary for the growth of plants, but harmful to the seeds. An ideal storage space is dark or semi -cure. If the seeds are kept in a drawer, a box or another container, it is recommended to be opaque. At the same time, for safety reasons and orders, we recommend that you leave the seeds in their original packaging, so they will be much easier to find in the following season.

As for the second «enemy», the humidity, this must also be kept at a distance, carefully reviewing the place where we will keep the seeds. Ideally, the means of storage is not influenced by humidity. However, we know that many times we have to adapt to what we have and try to keep the seeds in the most correct way possible in spaces such as the wardrobe or the garage.

To optimize the safety conditions, we can put each package of seeds in a plastic bag with hermetic closure. Much attention to packaging, but if there are remains of water or other liquids in the bag, the effort may be useless. We can also use another classic make -up to reduce humidity by adding silicone bags.

Finally, we think of practical methods to ensure adequate temperature for the conservation space. Sometimes, due to the lack of space, we can better protect the seeds of light and humidity that keep them in the garage or in the basement. In any case, if we also have the opportunity to provide an ideal temperature, keeping it in the refrigerator or freezer, it is much better.

It may seem like a radical solution, but they are ideal storage environments, at low temperatures, with low humidity levels. Between the two options, the freezer is preferable because it is not exposed to frequent closings/openings that cause variations in temperature.

If they are adequately stored, most seeds will last several years. However, life expectancy varies considerably between the species. For example, we are talking about a period from 1 to 2 years for pepper, onion or wheat. Carrot, cabbage, tomato and aubergine seeds last from 3 to 4 years. Spinach, cucumber or lettuce seeds are more stable and can be kept for a maximum of 6 years.

Now that you know a lot about how to keep the seeds in ideal condition, we are sure you will like it next time. Since not only do we offer you advice, but also practical solutions, we invite you to take a look at the countless types of seeds of our wallet.