Seed savers believe in miracles. Or as Henry David Thoreau put it, “I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.”
With summer underway, I am collecting: poppy pods, foxglove seeds, and columbine seeds to save for winter, when I will sprinkle them in my northern California garden and await the wonders. Meanwhile I’m storing the seeds in a slim lidded tin, a very satisfying way to organize envelopes, labels, and little jars.
I wish you the same happiness. Here are a few simple supplies to assemble your own DIY seed saving kit:
Photography by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.
Watchmaker’s Case
Above: I keep all my seed saving supplies in an metal Watchmaker’s Cases. The aluminum case is only 2 inches tall, has a lid, and is $14.80 from Lee Valley Tools (the cases come in several sizes).
Screw Top Jars
Above: The watchmaker’s case came with 20 jars with screw-on lids. (the jars are just the right size to hold seeds).
Cotton Tape
Above: I labeled the jars with white cotton tape. A similar spool of 1/2-inch Waterproof Tape is $5.95 from B&H. A box of 12 No. 2 Cedar Pencils is $5.59 from Dick Blick.
Kraft Paper Envelopes
Above: A set of 25 brown Kraft Paper Seed Envelopes with cord clasps, big enough to hold large poppy pods, is $7.24 from Goldberg Gartenschatz via Etsy. After poppy pods dry and turn brown, you shake out the seeds (like shaking salt) in the garden.
Seed Packets
Above: Packets of Flower Seeds such as Amaranth Green Tails, Zinnia Oklahoma Ivory, and Chocolate Lace Flower are$3.95 apiece from Floret Farm.
When I buy seeds to sow, after I open the envelope I store any leftover seeds in the airtight jars.
Wooden Plant Labels
Above: A package of 50 6-inch Wooden Plant Labels is $4.45 from Horticultural Products and Services.
DIY Seed Saving Kit
Above: The seed saving kit keeps everything organized and tidy. Plus, the little jars make a nice clicking sound when you arrange them in rows in the watchmaker’s case.
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