I have two boxes of misc. seed packets and even unknown seeds running loose in the bottom. What is the best way to organize these packets so that I can order the ones that I am going to need? I've seen a seed saver, looks like a file box with ziplock bags on a file hanger. Has anyone used these? Any better ideas? Is a root cellar too cold to eventually store the seeds? Thank you!

-- Marie in Central WA (Mamafila@aol.com), February 13, 2002

Answers

Marie, I organize my seeds in those inexpensive Rubbermaid type storage containers. I use the smaller rectangular ones and divide my seeds by category. Greens, onion family, roots (carrots, radishes, ect.), cabbage family, herbs, annual flowers, ect. I put each category in its own container and write the name of that category on the lid with permanent marker. This works very well for me. It keeps things organized and easy to find. It also keeps the seeds dry. I then store them in a cool, dark place. Works great for me.

-- Murray in ME (lkdmfarm@megalink.net), February 13, 2002.

veggie bin in the frisge,, keeps them lasting long, and easy to organize

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), February 13, 2002.

I keep mine in gallon glass mayonnaise jars I got from a deli. I guess they are plastic now. But I keep them in my front mudroom where its unheated and in the jars they are visable and rodent/bug proof.

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), February 13, 2002.

I keep my seeds that I save from my garden in small envelopes in a shallow plastic box about 6" wide by 3" deep and about a foot long. This is just the right size for my envelopes. I put this in the fridge in the back of that bottom shelf that everyone has where things usually get pushed and are not seen again until you decide to clean the fridge. You know. Where the green fuzzy stuff grows. This helps keep the seeds out of the way and solves the hidden food problem.Well OK, so it doesn't solve the whole problem. It helps.

-- Corky Wolf (corkywolf@hotmail.net), February 13, 2002.

I have mine in a plastic bin, sort of shoe box sized, with a permanently attached lid, with little pieces of cardboard with the letters of the alphabet cut out. We use old envelopes or those tiny yellow manilla envelopes from office supply stores....I then have a file on the computer with seed type, year I got it, how to plant it, when to start it, etc., and one handwritten (why, I don't know...just something I did one day when I didn't want to sit in front of a computer) with everything CURRENTLY in that box in alphabetical order. That way, I can update my computer from that list, but add things to it when I get them new... I bought the box which hold my 200 varieties or so at Walmart for less than $2. I store it on the back porch where it is not cold enough to freez, but cold. I am going to do a "good thing" (thanks, Martha Stewart!) and make a little pouch of kitty litter to store in there to pull the moisture out.....

-- marcee (thathope@mwt.net), February 13, 2002.