can vegatble seeds be vacuum packed for next year?

JustC

I know I won't use the whole package of some of these seeds, such as cucumbers, squash, zuccini, etc. There are just too many seeds in there. OR, should I use them all by planting 4-5 or 6-8 in each peat pellet and then pinch off the weaker looking sprouts?

Thanks

n/a

Yes you can save them. Germination rate may drop some though.

Cornflk1

Put them in the freezer, in a zip lock bag. That's how mother nature perserves seed from one season to the next. Actually, some seeds need a freezing to make them germinate for the following season.

JustC

how about vacuum sealing and then freezing?

n/a

quote:Originally posted by JustC
how about vacuum sealing and then freezing?


Sounds like a fine idea C.

miles

I always plant more seeds than I'll need.
That way,I can choose the best of the lot for
transplanting.

I also use the little peat starter cups.I usually
plant about 3 seeds and when they sprout, I leave the
best one and pull the others.

These peat planters can be set in larger pots(I use a 5 gal.
bucket for peppers.Just be sure you drill some holes in
the bottom for drainage.Peppers don't do well if over
watered.)

Now to answer your question about saving seeds,I don't
simply because seeds aren't that expensive and you will
waste time and resources by gambling on last year old seed.

I find its better to save the extra seed you have for a
month or so and start another batch of seedlings.

That way you have vegetables spread out over a longer
period.

MudderChuck

I just put them in envelopes, the brown cheap kind with little or no bleach in the paper. And store them in the living room or most anyplace with low humidity. For a year or so it never seemed to affect them much.

Suspension

I vacuum pack the ones I don't use and reuse them the following year, I've got lots of packs saved because I buy new if I see them on sale, never have much failure with them either.

JustC

thanks guys. I just don't think I can use 50 plants of each vegetable if I plant all the seeds. kinda seems like a waste to have that many seeds in 1 pack. unless you have a produce stand,..what in the world would you do with 60-70 cucumber/squash/zucinni/pole bean plants??

grumpygy

I buy from Territorial seed company, they seem to have fewer seeds in each pack, so I plant all I buy.

storm6490

just roll up the pack and put it in a cool dark place. you will get the same results as sealing them.

they last for years if they are any good!

chollagardens

If I remember correctly all the information you need is in "Seed to Seed" by, I think, Susan Ashworth. It is important to control moisture and temperature. Special care is needed if you freeze seed.

I know of tomato seed 40 years old that germinated. My daughter germinated 10 year and current season old Sugar baby watermelon seed and had almost the same germination. The ten year old seed was stored in a refridgerator not frozen.

Good luck