How to Preserve Seeds for Planting

Preserving garden seed is an experience that can reward generations to come. Passing a seed down from great-grandfather's heirloom tomato, or having a plant just like the beautiful flower your neighbor grew, creates a special kind of joy.

Gardening is making a comeback. A 2009 article published in the Seattle Times states that seed sales are up 20 to 30 percent because of the economy and worries about genetically modified crops--for example, beans with added hormones to fight insects and disease. With just a bit of effort, the seed-saving gardener is annually assured that what he grows is safe to eat.

Collected seeds
Water
Strainer
Newspaper or paper towel
Glass containers with covers
Silica gel
Small spoon
Labels
Fine permanent marker
Freezer

Instructions

- 1
  Select seed from top performing plants, such as those with early maturity, vigorous production or strong stems. Collect seeds when they dry on the plant, preferably on a sunny day before the first frost.
- 2
  Wash seeds collected from within vegetables, such as pumpkin or squash, before drying. After placing the seeds in a strainer, run water over them, gently washing off pulp by rubbing them through your fingers.
- 3
  Lay seeds in a single layer on a flat newspaper or paper towel until the moisture is absorbed and the seeds are thoroughly dry. Large seeds such as corn require several weeks to dry.
- 4
  Pack separated seeds in glass containers with airtight seals. Pint canning jars with rubber seals are among the container types that work well.
- 5
  Spoon silica gel into a glass container--one part gel to 10 parts seed. Silica gel is a grainy substance, like sand, with a high moisture-absorbing capability.
- 6
  Seal the glass container tightly.
- 7
  Label each container with the type of seed and the current date using a fine point permanent marker.
- 8
  Store in a freezer. Preserved seeds, dried thoroughly, may be stored up to 10 years.

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