What are seed packets made of?
The Seed Bank uses waxed paper because it breaths, is stiff and easy to fold, and somewhat transparent so the seed can be seen as the packet is folded. You may use regular paper, it is just more difficult to deal with. Seed Storage Tip 1: Maintain Cool Conditions Consider a cold closet, a basement, or a room on the north side of your home that remains cool year-round. Freezing isn’t necessary for short-term storage, but you can refrigerate seeds, provided they—and your refrigerator—are sufficiently dry.Seeds that have been stored in a cool, dry place are generally viable for at least a year past the season for which they were packaged and may be good for up to five years.Cover trays with plastic wrap to keep the moisture level constant. Plastic wrap ensures a constant moisture level. If more water is needed, let it wick up from the bottom. Seeds are very sensitive to the extremes of overwatering and underwatering.Seed packaging involves filling bags, attaching labels, and ensuring proper storage to protect seeds from contamination and damage.Reducing humidity is the most-important factor in extending the life of seeds. In general, relative humidity below 60% is best for seed storage. Avoid storing seeds in sheds or garages where they may be exposed to high humidity in the summer. Store your seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
How to plant seeds from a seed packet?
Check the seed package for the recommended planting depth. Make shallow indentations in the soil and sow the seeds evenly. Lightly water the surface, then place the container in a warm location away from direct sunlight. As seeds germinate, move the seedlings to a well-lit area, such as under fluorescent lights. Dampen a paper towel and fold it into the bag. Place the seeds along one side of the bag, pressing them against the paper towel. Seal the bag tightly and hang in a window using tape. Make sure the beans are visible on the side of the window where your child will be observing their seeds sprout.Directions should include planting depth, spacing, light exposure requirements, whether or not the seeds should be planted indoors prior to planting outdoors, and basic directions for the care of the plant.Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results.
How to use seed packets?
Packets will often provide how far apart to place seeds as spacing but occasionally they will phrase it as “thin too”. Whenever planting seeds it’s best to plant 2-3 seeds per recommended spacing and then once the “true” leaves appear to thin them to 1 plant using a pair of scissors (don’t pull them out). The seeds that are suitable for soaking before planting are those that need lots of moisture and light to germinate and/or have a tough or wrinkly outer covering. Tiny seeds are not suitable. For veggies, the main seeds that can usefully be pre-soaked are: Peas, beans and broad beans.If the seeds are very small, they will clump together and be more difficult to sow unless you let them dry first, which defeats the purpose of soaking them in the first place. Think seeds like carrots or lettuce, or flowers that have super tiny seeds, like sweet alyssum or campanula .
Can you freeze seed packets?
As long as your seeds have been able to dry completely, they can freeze without a lot of damage. Since changes of temperature are gradual outdoors, there is less danger of condensation, and winter air tends to keep the seeds dry anyway. The important thing is make sure that the place stays dry. Seeds can absorb moisture from the air, so it’s best to store them in moistureproof containers. Containers should also be pest proof if the storage location is not free of pests. At home, I store my seeds in Ziploc bags, inside of a cooler, in the back of my closet.Don’t soak too long. Never soak seeds for more than 24 hours. Leaving seeds in the water too long can cause rot and kill the plant embryo.Seed life can be maximized by Freezing – which will increase shelf life 4-5 times. Do not refrigerate. Refrigerators humidity fluctuates too much and can shorten the life of your seeds. If freezing – avoid condensation – which can shorten a seed’s life.In a bowl, cover your seeds with warm water and leave to soak for 6-24 hours. Smaller seeds and those with thinner coats need the shorter time, and larger seeds with thicker coats need the longer period. Some seeds will naturally float, and some will stay below the surface. Do not worry about those that float.