Re-thinking Seed Organization
February 12, 2009
In light of my hot pepper goof-up, I’m seriously considering a change in how I organize my seeds. Here you can see them in three tidy, plastic boxes:
I got the boxes at Solutions and they are called Keeper Flexible Sealware with Japanese writing on the top. They’re a perfect shape, 8.5″ x 6″ x 6″, for my seed packets.
All of my seeds are in 4″ x 5.5″ craft bags from the dollar store. Most of my seeds are in larger envelopes that fit perfectly into the craft bag. Some seeds that I’ve received are in smaller envelopes and baggies. For these ones, I cut up old file folders into 8 cm x 12 cm pieces to use as stabilizers in the craft bag.
Right now all my seeds are in alphabetical order, which made sense to me in the beginning. Whenever I wanted a particular seed, I just went to the corresponding box and shuffled through it until I found the one I wanted.
But now I’m thinking that’s not such a great idea. Maybe I should organize my seeds the way Skippy’s Garden does it – by sowing date. I mean, who cares if it’s in alphabetical order if you miss the week that you’re supposed to sow it? Doesn’t it make more sense to organize your seeds by sowing date rather than the alphabet?
February 12, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I like these containers you found. It is also a good idea storing the paper packets in the plastic baggies. This would help wick encase of any moisture.
My seeds are currently strewn in a veseys shipping box, laying on the floor of the office. I really need to get organized.
Where do you store your seeds when not in use?
February 12, 2009 at 4:08 pm
The boxes get moved around depending on what’s going on. Sometimes they’ll sit on the mantle in the front hallway, on the floor of the foyer, on the table in the kitchen, or on the filing cabinet at work. I should have a dedicated place for them to sit and the only thing I make sure to do is not have them sit in direct sunlight.
February 12, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Looks like you’re on the right track- I have no doubt you’ll find a solution that works for you. Someday, with what I already do, I would like to have a small fridge in my garage just for bulbs and seeds!
February 13, 2009 at 9:46 am
That’s how mine are organized – by sowing time. But then calling my seeds organized is really abusing the definition. I can find those that I need though.