Smart!!!! I will do that when I get home!!! I am sure we have a few!
What's wrong with Plastic?
It depends on how dry the seeds are. If they aren't properly dried and then put in plastic, they will mold. I've received seeds that way - and before I knew this, had sent some out that way as well, and was then emailed about it.
Paper does tend to keep the seed dryer - plastic holds in moisture. That is the only difference I can think of.
Thanks, Kim, for all the info on saving and swapping etiquette in the last few threads. It is invaluable for a new seedsaver like me. I bought some glassine envelopes from "your" guy today, too. He should be paying you a commission!
Natasha
I don't know about now, but you used to be able to buy silica gel at craft stores - used for drying fresh flowers. Of course, it's lots more fun to just buy more shoes!
;-)
He he he heee
LOL onalee! I concur though my husband would not. I am a shoe-a-holic. I know have at least 50 pairs of shoes if you count everything from slippers to flip-flops to boots.
82 pairs here - NOT counting slippers ~:-)
Goodness!! That's a lot of Silica you too! You could trade it out on DG! LOL
Hmmmm.... I may have to buy a couple pairs of sho - er I mean silica this weekend! )
Nicole
Hey, Sweezel - Just in case NC wasn't in enough trouble with her DG addiction, I think we may be leading her down another path of no return! Poor NC... welcome to an addiction that has no redeeming qualities!
I have a question. If one waits to harvest the seed until it is ripe enough, which we should do anyway, does it still need to be dried or does it dry on the plant?
That really depends on the plant and it's seeds. But usually I continue to dry them after picking. Hope this helps...
You've got me beat Sequee. I'll tell my husband how lucky he really is. NO redeeming qualities? But, I feeeel so pretty in all those shoes.
And yes, these things are related because I keep my Seeds in Shoe boxes. LOL
Good thinkin'!
Look at all the uses for new shoes!! Kim that should work for you too just line the boxes in plastic and stick in the fridge! LOL
Nicole
Hemlady,
I usually will let my harvested seed sit out and dry further (a few days) before packaging them, just to insure I am not sealing them up with moisture.
May not be needed, but it works for me.......................
I use paper for the seeds that I send out, maybe because seeds that you buy are usually in paper envelopes. However, I keep the seeds in film canisters and fish food containers before I package them. That's just what works for me and I haven't had a problem with it.
Film canisters and old med bottles work great for stoeing seed between trades. I also use yogurt containers too...........
Thanks rikerbear and Kim. That makes sense to me too.
Cindy
Your welcome Cindy :-)
Marc
Well if you happen to prefer paper, I thought of a cool thing to use last weekend... okay, I'm sure you seed collecting experts already figured this one out, but just in case, I'll share my little idea! For some reason I am always roped into hosting baby/bridal showers. So, you know those tiny little cards that come with gift wrap? No writing or anything- normally the front of the card is the same print as the wrapping paper. Anyway, those little bity cards come in little bity envelopes! I hosted a bridal shower AND baby shower last weekend and attended yet another bridal shower the same day I hosted one. Geez! Well, let's just say I cleaned up on the little envelopes! :) Jamie
That is a neat idea.
That's a great idea. I also use the little envelopes that "extra Buttons" come in - sometimes they're plastic and sometimes their paper. Oh, boy Sweezel and NC - now we have an excuse to go clothes shopping, too!
For storage of seeds, I always use empty photo film bottles, these are good in size and also air tight.
I thought about using the button holders too. All the clothes I seem to buy now come with small ziplock baggies, though. I bought a bunch of clothes at the Gap on clearance a couple weeks ago and really thought about keeping the baggies that the buttons came in. I had noticed how similar they were to the baggies I already buy for seeds at Walmart. I should have saved them but I just ended up trashing them because they were a little more flimsy.
Just what part of Walmart's are those little baggies anyway. I don't want to have to hunt all over the store. LOL Thanks.
They are in the craft section. I found them the first aisle over from the fabric in my store.
Also, if you go to the seed site, she has really cute templates. You just print them off (I do mine on the color printer), cut them out (3 to a page), fold on the lines, and glue/tape them down on the little tabs. Really simple, perfect size, AND cute! Oh yeah, and FREE! :) Here is the link:
http://theseedsite.co.uk/envelope.html
Thanks texasgarden! I've also used these too. Cute also..
http://www.alenkasprintables.com/seed_packets.shtml
Ohhh- VERY cute! Must have some of these!!! :)
You know what we need don't you.... Dave would probably croak but.. We need to have a seed pack with planting instructions etc. matched to every plant in the database. That way we could pull up the plant, print and viola!! LOL Sounds good though!
Nicole
Hey Nicole- I nominate you to spearhead that project. Ha! :)
Yes - and we'll all stand back and watch the fur fly!
NOT on your life!! I am too chicken to suggest that!! We need to get some 'old' timers to suggest such an auducious (sp?) project!!
t least someone braver than us!
Where's Ulrich when he's needed! LOL
We go through a lot of vitamins at our house, so I save all the silica packets out of the bottles, when we empty them...(and, shoeboxes)...
-seedpicker_TX
I like plastic too. I'd think it'd keep them fresher while paper would be just like leaving them out in the open air. I think the issue is, people don't like them in plastic if they're not fully dried yet b/c if you bag them too soon in plastic, they will rot on you.
Thanks all I was having this same dilemma tonight when I opened a medicine jar I was storing my Datura seeds in and they seemed to be molding and wondering how I should be storing these properly, I know they were completely fry when I put them in but just looked a little gray now...So many great tips..
I like plastic ziplocs with white writing area on out side..2mil Whit Label area 2x2 1000 for $4.58, most seed companies package in 2.75 x 4. 75 so I like also the 3 x5 1000 for $8.96
Here's a link to choose what ever you like:
www.papermart.com/plasticbag_welcome.htm?OVACC=Overture&OVRAW=mini%20ziploc%20bags&OVKEY=ziploc%20bag&OVMTC=advanced
This message was edited Oct 23, 2004 3:32 AM
I buy the little pastic ones (dime bags?) from the craft store. You get a bunch and it costs about maybe $4 at the most.
When I harvested my datura seed, I wrapped it in one layer of papertowel. The longer you leave it to dry, the better. The plastic bags are probably best if you're keeping seed for a long time.