[CH] Saving Seeds part 2 (not so long)
Bob Batson (rcb@kc.rr.com)
Sun, 1 Oct 2000 14:49:24 -0500
AIRTIGHT STORAGE CONTAINERS
Vegetable seeds are at their peak when they reach maximum dry weight
on the mother plant. Vigor is the seed's ability to germinate rapidly
with good disease resistance. Home-saved seeds will retain maximum
vigor when thoroughly dried and stored in a moisture-proof container.
The most vigorous seeds at harvest time will keep the longest in
storage. The two greatest enemies of stored seeds are high temperature
and high moisture. Seeds that are stored at fluctuating temperature and
moisture levels lose their ability to germinate very quickly. As a
rule of thumb, the sum of the temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) and
relative humidity should not exceed 100. In actuality, humidity is
probably more important than temperature, because it allows for the
growth of microorganisms which degrade seed quality. Always realize
that seed vigor can be lost during storage well before the seed dies
completely.
Containers used for seed storage should always be airtight. Glass and
metal are the only common materials that are completely moisture-proof.
Glass jars with good rubber seals under their lids, such as baby food
jars or canning jars with new lids, provide a nearly airtight seal when
screwed on really tight. Gallon glass jars that do not have a
common-sized canning lid can be modified into excellent storage
containers by cutting gaskets for their lids out of used automobile
inner tubes.
Lightweight plastic bags are not moisture-proof and make poor storage
containers. However, seeds can be put into Self Seal T-Bags(TM),
Seal-A-Meal(TM) bags, Zip Lock(TM) bags, small drawstring muslin bags,
or paper envelopes, before being stored inside of a large, airtight
jar. Each bag of seeds should be securely sealed and carefully labeled.
The jar should then be stored in a cool, dry, dark place where the
temperature fluctuates as little as possible. Locations at floor level
are better than those near the ceiling, which can be significantly
warmer. The constant cool temperature of an underground root cellar is
excellent, for those lucky enough to have access to such a structure.
Finding the right storage location may take a bit of experimentation,
but will ensure long-term vigor and viability of home-saved seeds.
Excerpted from _Seed to Seed_ by Suzanne Ashworth (ISBN 0-9613977-7-2)
and reprinted with permission.
--
Bob Batson L 39 12 14 N 94 33 16 W
rcb@kc.rr.com Kansas City
TCS - Mystic Fire Priest USDA Zone 5
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Under the most controlled conditions, the experimental apparatus
will do exactly as it pleases.