Free printable seed packets and how to save seeds

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Although you can buy seeds in many different places these days, like on the internet, local farmer markets, garden centers, and such. It has some charm to it when you can save your own seeds. This way you enhance your self-sufficiency, and eventually cultivate crops that will thrive in your specific region. You can say that growing your own plants from your own seeds is a fulfilling and sustainable endeavor.

As said before, you can cultivate a thriving garden and take the extra step to harvest and store seeds for future planting. In this guide, I’ll explore the concept of seed saving and provide you with free printables in the form of a seed packet template to help organize and store your precious garden seeds.

Understanding seed saving

Seed saving is an ancient practice that allows gardeners to collect, store, and replant seeds from their own plants. It’s not only a cost-effective way to sustain your garden but also a means of preserving heirloom varieties and maintaining biodiversity. Before delving into the seed-saving process, it’s important to understand a few key concepts about the type of seeds and how to prevent cross-pollination. 

1. Open-Pollinated vs. Hybrid Seeds: Open-pollinated seeds, which reproduce true to the parent plant, are ideal for seed saving. Hybrid seeds, like F1 seeds on the other hand, may not produce plants with the same characteristics as the parent, making them less suitable for seed saving.
2. Isolation: To maintain the genetic purity of seeds, consider isolating different varieties of the same plant species to prevent cross-pollination. This could be a literal lifesaver as the zucchini plant, for instance, can produce poisonous seeds when cross-pollinated with other plants. The fruits of the next generation can contain a too high amount of the substance cucurbitacins. When the fruits taste bitter just don’t eat them, it is most likely they have a too high amount of cucurbitacin and they will make you sick. By isolating your plants you’ll make sure you’ll harvest great seeds.

What does “Heirloom seeds” actually mean?

When you searched the internet for a high-quality seed you must have come across the term “heirloom seeds”. It refers to a variety of plants (usually a cultivar) that have been passed down through generations within a family or community. These plants are often treasured for their unique characteristics, flavor, or other specific traits.

Heirloom plants are typically open-pollinated, meaning they reproduce true to the parent plant. Unlike hybrid plants, which result from cross-breeding different varieties and may not produce offspring with the same traits, heirloom plants maintain their distinct characteristics from one generation to the next.

Beyond the realm of plants, the term “heirloom” is more broadly used to describe any valuable item that has been passed down through generations. These items often have sentimental value and are considered family or cultural treasures. The concept of heirlooms emphasizes the idea of preserving and passing on something of value from one generation to the next.

Printable seed packet template

To make the seed-saving process organized and enjoyable, I’ve created free printable seed packets for your personal use. I made a few printable vegetable seed packets with illustrated vegetables and a blank seed packet template. You can write the name of the plant that will grow out of the seeds on the front of the packet together with the date of harvesting/packaging and some additional notes.

Instructions for using the seed packet template:

1. Download the seed packets here or at the bottom of this blog post. 
2. Print the DIY seed envelopes on regular paper.
3. Carefully cut along the outer lines of the seed packet template.
4. Fold the top flap, side flap, bottom flap, and back flap along the designated lines to create the seed packet shape. Secure the edges with glue (like a glue stick) or tape.
5. Clearly label each seed packet with the plant variety, date of harvest, and any other relevant information. This ensures you can easily identify and organize your seeds.

How to save seeds

Now that you have your seed packet template ready, let’s explore the basic steps to save seeds:

1. Choose healthy plants: Select robust, disease-free plants with desirable characteristics for seed saving.
2. Harvest seeds at the right time: Ensure that you harvest seeds at the optimal time. Allow the seeds to fully mature on the plant before harvesting. Collect them when they are dry and ready for storage.
3. Harvesting seeds: Harvest seeds when they are dry and ready. This may involve collecting seed heads, pods, or fruits, depending on the plant.
4. Thoroughly dry seeds: Before storing, it’s crucial to ensure that seeds are completely dry. Lay them out on a clean, dry surface in a well-ventilated area. Stir or turn the seeds regularly to promote even drying. Depending on the type of seed, this process may take several days to a few weeks.
5. Storing seeds: Place the dried seeds in your labeled seed packets. Store the packets in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain seed viability if you want to use them next year. For long-term storage, put the seed packets in an airtight container. Either way, you should store the seeds at a temperature between 50 °F (10 °C) and 59 °F (15 °C).

Some last tips!

• Include desiccants in the storage containers to absorb any residual moisture. Silica gel packets or powdered milk wrapped in tissue can serve as effective desiccants. Ensure they do not come in direct contact with the seeds.
• Label each container with the name of the seed, the date of harvest, and any other relevant information such as plant variety or special considerations. Clear labeling helps you keep track of the seeds and their characteristics.
• Aim for a consistent temperature for seed storage. 
• Periodically check the stored seeds for any signs of moisture or mold. If you find any issues, remove the affected seeds immediately to prevent them from compromising the others.
• Protect seeds from potential pests. Consider placing a bay leaf in the container to deter insects. Insects can’t stand the smell of bay leaves.
• To maintain seed viability, practice seed rotation. Use the older seeds first and replace them with fresh seeds. This ensures that your seed stock remains viable over the years.
• I will assure you much fun when making these DIY seed packet envelopes with your children!

By utilizing the DIY seed packets and following these seed-saving steps, you can preserve the legacy of your own garden, make your own heirloom seeds for future generations, gift seeds to your loved ones, and enjoy a sustainable cycle of growth the following year and many years after that.

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