Hi All,
I really need an idea for some kind of seed organization,alphabeticly.....soo many little packs in a big container.....what a mess.....I need to get organized......H E L P !
shirley >^,,^< SB
Seed Organizer ?
Boy, am I gonna keep an eye on this thread. At first I tried to use a large card file system and soon realized that was a joke. Now I have them waiting to be planted in my little secretary drawer. No organization there. Hope you get some good info on this one. HEhehe
Jan
I am sure there are lots of ideas for this, but this is what I do. I lable zip lock bags "herbs", "annuals", "vines", etc. put the seed packs in these (mostly sandwich size bags) Poke a holes in the corner and hang the bags in a big three ring binder. Then I can just flip through the binder and see what I need. I will sure be watching this for more ideas too.
SEEYA, Loudigger aka Queen of Dirtland Margie
Ok here we go.... all of my seeds are in boxes like shoe boxes.. the plastic ones... each letter has a legal size envelope.....
seeds are divided by catagories,, I keep the big.. flat box... under the bed for safe keeping.
anytime someone sends me seeds that are to big,, i simply re pack them, I use 2x2 ziploc bags......I can keep envelopes, lables, stamps and etc... all together.
When I have a trade that I print off the computer...
it simply goes in the box... so
I never forget them.
sherannote book sounds like a cool idea too.... but it would take several volumes?????im running out of space.
I have no problem storing seeds, it's just finding them. I was wondering if anyone out there has a seed data base application set up for ms access?
Shirley,
I was just talking to Arlene (TLC) last week about this same topic. She mentioned to post this same question here, but of course I hadn't done it yet.
I did go over to Office Depot the other day to get some supplies and found something I think might work for a while. They were the Photo File boxes. They look like a little case, with a handle. On the inside there are accordian like slots with tabs on each slot. I got 2 of them to start with, but might need more once I get going. I just put my seed packets into each slot and then typed out a sheet of paper to show what I have in each slot.
A tip for you if you do use this idea, or any other idea. Layout your seeds on a table, in piles of the alphabet. Notice that you just might have a lot of a certain "alphabet" letter. Then you need to have 2 or 3 of that letter on your tabs as you mark your tabs.
Does this sound right? It's hard to write what I'm trying to convey to you. Good luck, and if you figure out anything better, let us know. lol
Donna
I use a 3" x 5" write-on zip-lock clear plastic bag to hold the seed packets or the seeds themselves. On the writing space I enter the Latin Name, Comon Name, color, height, germination conditions, germination time in weeks. In the lower right corner I put the number of weeks before last expected frost to start the seeds indoors. I sort seeds into trays by this last number, so, for example, all seeds to be started about 12 weeks before the last expected frost are in one box, all seeds to be germinated four weeks before LEF are in another box, etc. I have an XCEL spread sheet with the following column headings:Plant Name; Common Name; source; a/b/p [annual, biennial, perennial]; color; height; quantity; Start WBLF [weeks before last frost];comments [scarify, stratify, in situ only, etc]. This way I can sort on any parameter as well as easily identify in which box the seeds are stored. This is a lot of work if you are talking about 50+ seed packets, but if the data is entered as the seeds are acquired it isn't too daunting an operation. When I receive a packet of seeds, either by swap or from a commercial source, I research the germination data and enter all the data I need into the spreadsheet and place the seed packet into the appropriate box.[edited to add: Sometimes, when I order seeds from a commercial source I enter the data immediately and make a column'o' or '*' for 'on order' or 'received' accordingly. This prevents me from ordering the same seeds twice and keeps my list up to date]. When it comes time to start the germination I don't have to drag out all the books again. I just read my spreadsheet. All the typing also helped me to learn the names and attributes of many of the plants. It worked last year and I'm following it again this year with some possible additions to the columns [link to photo, etc]. Padre
This message was edited Oct 15, 2003 1:48 PM
OH MY GOSH! You are way to organized for this brain. I totally understand what you are doing and I think it is marvelous. I only wish I could be that pricise. My gardening has not yet evolved to that point but I think I will make note of your method and keep it for future reference. Thanks Padre, you are very well organized.
Jan
I wish to note that there are a lot of empty holes on the spreadsheet since not every seed packet has the information I would put in those holes. With the Latin name and the common name is separate columns I can sort alphabetically on either. I can also sort on WBLF [weeks before last frost] or color or height, etc. Maybe its overkill for a small garden but it was a learning tool for me and kept me from wandering the streets at night or channel surfing till my eyeballs go square :-)
I have mine in plastic shoe boxes right now. I have one reserved for seeds that I plan to trade. Another is ones I have received but not yet added to my seed database. I have another photo type box (smaller, like to store 4x6 photos) where I have a good number of seeds alphabetized. It's not easy, since people use different size seed packs. Some I really do need to just repackage.
I have (don't laugh now) a 'bucket' on my desk with five ziploc sandwich baggies in it. They are labeled Spring Sow, Fall Sow, Herbs, Nancy's Garden & Sam's Garden. I pulled these out of the other boxes because these are the ones I'm definitely planting for the coming year.
I'd thought about one of those plastic sleeves like you store either photo slides or cross stitch floss. Or you can use the sleeve-type organizers for business cards like this: http://www.sgmbindery.com/images/business_card.jpg
If you'd be interested in seeing my database, it's in an Excel spreadsheet, probably like Padre's. Email me and I'll send it to you.
Padre,
When you come over to do this for me ,what would you like for dinner...lol
That's way over my head but I am sure this will help others.Seems like we have a lot of intrest in this.
Thanks,
shirley >^,,^< SB
Edited:I am more interested in the physical organization of my seed packs for now
I have doc. folders with pics and other info,this works for me, I do not have excell or office word.
This message was edited Oct 15, 2003 4:52 PM
ROFLMBO Scooter LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Im in tears right now....go ahead you can do it!!!
Padre, Right on!!!!!!!!! Gotta hand it to ya Padre, you are organized to the max! I too will cook for you if you come set me up LOL...Jokin' hehehe, I cook a mean Meatloaf, eh?? lol
Julieanne
On a serious note...Im gonna do this...sounds like a wonderful idea
Heeeey gurlfrend....whazzzup? rite sum thyme. ;-P
Edeted to corekt spellin
This message was edited Oct 15, 2003 5:46 PM
I have started an access database for trading, seeds, my plants, and keeping track of names and addresses of traders. I followed the design of the database at Dave's Garden for seeds and plants because that is where I get most of my information. The names and addresses part was easy. The plant/seed database is all most finished. I put a couple in today but have a little more tweaking to do. I want to be able to do everything from this one area when I get done. It will be slow going getting the plants and seeds in when I finished those lists I was overwhelmed at how much stuff I have. I will be able to put in pictures of plants, seeds, and seed pods, as well as have a location code for plants and seeds.
I am confused by one thing though please help me out. I thought that seeds should be kept refrigerated and I have mine all in the fridge. I was thinking I would have to get a second fridge but maybe not! Do you keep any of your seeds in the fridge or am I being my usual goofy self. I am sure I read that somewhere! Straighten me out please even though I am getting off the original topic.
I am watching this thread closely too because I have been trying to figure out an organized way of keeping my seeds.
I was thinking about a notebook and the clear photo pages with the pockets on the pages for the pictures to be put into, but wasn't sure about keeping something that large in the fridge. So if I don't have to keep them in the fridge that might work.
I would be glad to share what I have done in Access with anyone who would like it.
Alice
Alice,
Your Access db sounds pretty good, do you have it set up with queries and reports yet? Which version of Access do you have? As far a chilling (stratifying) seeds I know that not all seeds need this, some certainly do though.I keep mine in paper envelopes in unzipped gallon sized zip-loc bags in a corner of the fridge.
Doug
Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy gurlfrend lol...nutt'inz up here :-P lol gonna read that long email in a minute...did you get mine of my change of address??
lemme get off this thread oops hehe
dough448 I have office xp and have not started doing reports or queries yet because just don't have enough info in to make it worthwhile. Queries give me fits trying to make them do what I want them to. Lots of times I just copy over to excel and do what I want there because I can handle that better. I think I can save the database in a different version if you don't have xp and I can always copy the tables over to excel and send them to you that way if you would like to see them.
I am feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of info that needs to be put in but I know I will feel more in control of all of the info when I get it done.
Thanks for the chill tips I assume maybe its the annuals that don't need to be kept in the fridge? That would make sense.
Alice
....IMHO>>>>
.......I always keep my seeds in a paper envelope in a zip lock bag -with a tiny hole ,I use the tip of a ballpoint-Seeds are living and need to breath a little bit just like bulbs and rhizomes.,the paper helps to stabalize the moisture content. These are kept in a cool dark place.
.......... Keeping them in the fridge invites instability in moisture content unless you keep them tightly sealed which brings us back to the breathing,living seed again. An open container causes fluctuation...Open the door they sweat close the door the cold air drys them out again.
......sO as I have said before ...this is my opinion and I do not say any other way is wrong .We all Do what works best for each of us.
Cheers, SB
Ok I give up...what does this mean Scooter.......IMHO>>>>???????? LOL
*sigh* In My Humble Opinion
;-P
Im impressed **sigh** lol Bless yer heart!
Scooterbug that makes sense to me. I have received some daylily seeds that said they needed to be kept in the fridge, but I think I will take the rest out and follow your advice.
Thanks so much
Alice
Some seeds need to be cold stratified,but that is usually a matter of days or a couple of weeks or so. Look up what your particular seed may require.
so far I think I will checkout the photo file box idea,what I want is to be able to put my mitts on a certain seed without digging through buckets or tubs. This was the reason I started this thread.
....Lots of interest going here,so if y'all have any more input....put in...lol
I agree about the photo file box, I have one of those around here somewhere, I guess I will see if I can find it today. I remember buying it but I never did get around to putting any pictures in it. I like that better than my idea of the photo album as far as being able to find things I think the box would work better.
Photo file box would be great to use as I one sitting unused in the basement. Will it be airtight enough? Some people talk about ziplock bags with a small hole in it, or left open. Another thread they kept them in canning jars. When I take the time to make the switch I hope to do it once.
How about Baby jars???? Ask the ladies at the church to donate them or someone in the family with a new little one to give them to you instead of tossing. eh? lol I think thats an excellent idea
I use a huge 3 ring binder full of the plastic sheets that hold baseball cards. I also have full sheet protector pages for large items. I can then just keep my seeds in small packets or the small ziplocks that I pick up at wal-mart (a couple of bucks for 100- in the craft/fabric dept). I then alphabetize my packs (just by first letter. What, do you think I am anal or something??? LOLOLOL)
If I run out of room I just add another sheet. Each sheet has 9 pockets & it works out great. Everything is right at your fingertips & by alphabetizing, it is easy to find things.
(I also have a master sheet but I will not talk about that...again with the anal retentive...):~)
But seriously, it is so nice to know where things are. And as long as you start out with the big binder, you never have to worry about space.
I like this idea Pudgie lol@anal retention ROFL...can anyone give me a good site to print some seedpacks???
http://www.grandmageorge.com/seedpks/seedpk/seedpk.html
http://davesgarden.com/files/seedpackets/
and this site just has nice graphics if you want to make your own:
http://www.amretasgraphics.com/graphics/graphics.htm
PudgyMudpies, that's precisely what I was referring to earlier. When I cross stitched, I had some sheet protector organizer pages with even smaller pockets which I think would be ideal for the smaller packets of seeds. You could get more on a page that way.
And to answer your question, Annabelle, there are several threads around about printing seed envelopes.
Here's just one of them:
http://davesgarden.com/t/90746/seed+envelopes
Just type 'seed envelopes' in the search and you'll find several threads there.
oH forgot to say Ive already been to Dave's site and got some of flowox's...looking for more sites to view. Will try in my search engine 'seed envelopes' Thanks dear appreciate your help :-)
aknapp, get those daylily seeds back in the refrigerator, if you want them to sprout!
Here are a couple more sites with seed envelopes/packets, Annabelle:
http://theseedsite.co.uk/envelope.html
http://www.geocities.com/siggyrose/
I collect my seeds and put in regular white envelopes with common and latin names on the outside. I then file them alphabetically in several long flat boxes (I took several regualar big cardboard boxes and cut them down down for a perfect fit, and made separator sheets for each letter of the alphabet using colored cardstock for easy alphabetizing). Seems to work pretty well and when i need more space I simply just add another box! I can just fill up the envelope with seeds I've collected and then take out as many as needed to send out for a seed trade, or when recieving seed packets from others i can just label the outside of the envelope and put all my similar packets together (ie tomatoes, zinnias, marigolds, etc) I keep two separate groups of boxes-one for seeds I've collected from my garden and plan on using for trades, and another for the seeds i've recieved in trades from others.
Parcanda thanks I had not taken those out, Indashade had told me to put those in the fridge when she sent me some and I left those in when I took the others out.
I have also figured out what will work for me for keeping them at the moment, but I am sure that I do not have as many as the rest of you to deal with.
I just purchased 2 number 10 envelope sized 13 pocket folders with the stretchy cord that goes around it. (1.49 at big lots) and used one for a - l and the other for m - z they fit fine and I am sure this will work for a while with the amount of seed that I have.
Have a great evening everyone.
Parcanda I sure do appreciate your concern, it was very thoughtful of you to post the note, I am sure if it hadn't been for Indashade I probably would have taken them out.
Thanks All
MossRose gave me the idea of using one of there http://www.sterilite.com/Category.html?Section=Storage&ProductCategory=47 because it can be easily rolled into a closet when your not using it and back to your computer and under a counter or desk when you want to use it.
I just found the Sterelite http://www.sterilite.com/Category.html?Section=Storage&ProductCategory=47 website and haven't yet purchased my cart but the website has a list of stores that sell their products and it shouldn't be long now before I can get one.
I will either buy or make index cards to fit the drawers and I also keep track of my seeds with the DG journal.
I also use the photo box storage system. I file them in alphabetic order - - but pull out the seeds that need to be started first and store them in the front. I have a few large seeds that I put in small glass jars, usually in the back of one of the boxes.
I also keep an excel spreadsheet of all my seeds with columns for each of the following areas: name, height, date to be planted, color and sun requirements. Then I can sort the spreadsheet according to my needs. For example, if I am wanting to check to see if I need to start seeds in the spring - I sort by date to be planted. If I am working on my layout of what to plant where, I sort by sun requirement with a sub-sort for height. It does require that I not file my seeds until I have them entered into my spreadsheet, but it reduced the number of unused seeds that I had at the end of my planting season. Nat
I live in the Netherlands but Ikeastuff is worldwide to get.
I use the wooden cd boxes and I buy just more if I need more space (not only for seeds). I store the seeds by alfabet by their latin name in paper envelopes. I keep this storage on a cool and dark dry place.I've stored under in the cooler before but it was unhandy and taking them out every time did'nt do them so well I guess. I've sown stored seeds from 2000 recently and I had nearly 100% rate that germinate.
http://www.ikea.nl/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=9&productId=10549&langId=-22&parentCats=10115*10170
I use the similar as above but the wood is unpainted and has no such thing to write on what's in it (hihi how do you call this..etiket?) and are much cheaper E 4,90. I've bought the etikets seperate and put them on if needed.
saya, thanks I have not seen this cd-box before. I am not far from an Ikea store,I will check it out =)
shirley >^,,^< SB
Not a problem for a newbie, but I can see where it would be in the future! Or at least I hope it will be, lol.
Family Dollar stores sells those storage drawers. Mine is about 9" wide, with drawers about 6" wide.
It came as a unit, with two 7" deep lower drawers and two 3" deep upper drawers. (I bought two of course, as they were so cheap).
Best part of this is that the top part snaps off and I can combine the two sets. This store also has cheap envelopes and file folders I could trim to fit. Hooray! Problem solved before it becomes one! Thanks for the great insight and ideas, everyone.