How to store seeds correctly in winter: rules of a good host

Sowing your gardens to have a supply of food has once again become very important for Ukrainians. Therefore, this winter it will be important to save the seeds that will form the basis of the future harvest.

OBOZREVATEL figured out what conditions are needed to ensure that the seeds survive the winter in good condition and give birth to healthy plants in the spring.

Is it possible to keep seeds in an apartment

The temperature at which grains, bulbs and other seeds feel best in winter is +12-15 degrees Celsius and slightly lower. Meanwhile, few people will be happy to spend the winter in a room that is colder than +18. So it's unlikely that you'll be able to keep your seed stock in good condition at home.

An unheated balcony is also a bad option, because during frosts the temperature there can drop below +5, which is just as disastrous. After wintering in the cold, the seeds may lose their ability to germinate.

If there are no other options but your own home, experts advise putting the materials on remote shelves or drawers in living rooms. In any case, do not store them in the kitchen, where temperature and humidity fluctuations are constantly occurring.

What conditions do seeds need

In addition to a cool temperature, seeds also need low humidity of less than 50%. Without enough moisture, the seeds will not germinate but will fall into a state that can be called hibernation in a sense. Accordingly, it will retain all its properties. In addition, low humidity will protect the seed from the development of destructive rot and mold. It is also important that the material is not exposed to sunlight.

What kind of container to store in

It is believed that the best option for storing seeds is linen bags. And this is a really good container. It allows air and moisture to pass through and at the same time provides protection from light. Paper is also a good option.

Experts advise not to be afraid of plastic bags or glass jars. The main condition when using them is that moisture does not get inside the container. It will not be able to get out and can damage the material. To prevent this, it is advised to put something hygroscopic in the containers, for example, pour rice flour or starch on the bottom. Silica gel sachets, which manufacturers often put in shoeboxes or appliances before selling them, are also suitable.

How long can seeds be stored

Experts advise not to store seeds for more than three years before planting. Without very special conditions, they lose moisture during this time, the nutrients in them break down, and it is unlikely that they will germinate. That's why it's important to sign the date you put the material in storage before you put it away. This way, you can keep track of which material is still usable and which should be thrown away.

How to get the seeds before planting

It's not a good idea to plant the material you've just taken out of the storage area right away. You need to give the seeds time to "wake up". To do this, you just need to move them to a bright and warm place (not in direct sunlight) and let them warm up. This should be done in the same containers in which they were stored. As soon as the seeds reach the temperature of the surrounding air, you can start working with them.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you how to properly dry walnuts so that they do not taste bitter.