Store seeds in a dry space

In 2005, scientists in Israel germinated a date-palm seed that was 2,000 years old and found in the desert near an ancient fortress. There is a lesson to be learned from this: Store seeds in a dry place.

There are a dozen reasons to save seeds, whether it’s to save money or to preserve a plant variety. Seeds can be collected from the garden or store bought but they must be properly stored. A seed’s worst enemy includes heat, humidity, sunlight and hungry rodents.

When harvesting seeds, make sure they are totally dry before storing. If moisture is introduced, a mold can develop that would make the seeds unusable.

Put collected seeds in envelopes, seal them and clearly mark the envelopes with variety names and dates. Place the envelopes in plastic sealable bags, mason jars, Tupperware or any other type of re-sealable storage container. It is important to seal out humidity and keep the seeds safe from critters. Do not use cloth, paper or thin plastic bags that cannot be made airtight. 

A dark basement corner or any cool, dry room is a good place for storing seeds. Seeds remain viable longer if stored at constant temperatures of 40 degrees or lower, making a refrigerator a better choice for long term storage. To prevent moisture from condensing on seed packets that have been refrigerated, allow the storage container to warm to room temperature before opening it.

Before planting in the spring, spread 10 seeds from each packet on a wet paper towel, fold it and place it in a plastic bag. Seal and label it. Allow it to remain at room temperature for a week or more. If all 10 seeds sprout, you’re in business, but even if six sprout, you can still use them, just sow more thickly to allow for duds.

It is finally time to prune your roses, thin out tree limbs and prepare your garden for spring. Are you are unsure of what to prune and how? Feel free to join us on Feb. 25 at Brunswick Community College in the horticulture building. We are fortunate to have Dean Bennett speak about the pruning basics. The class is free of charge and runs from 1-3 p.m.