
Successful Seed Storage idea with Silica Gel Beads
As a part of our survival, seed plays a vital role. The process doesn't end with harvesting the seed. But it begins with the proper storage of seeds. For instance, if you harvest the seeds from a fully grown plant, that turns out to be ideal for that particular season. But ever wondered about the rest of the seasons, how long it can be ripening? Because the seeds are living stuff & it remains alive till the food is provided. To make it long-lasting, let the seed sleep deeper & consume the food slowly.
Nevertheless, slackening the metabolism & providing the dark area is the key to making it last long for decades to keep the vigour intact. However, the actual viability of the seeds depends on how you store them, as surplus moisture & warmth result in rotting. At the same time, we need to maintain an equilibrium with the air & moisture levels present in the surroundings. The moisture level keeps varying throughout the year & therefore, there's an emerging need to secure the seeds from all the factors. Although there are seed banks that store globally in dark and low temperatures, we can store it domestically.
THE LITTLE THE TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY, THE FINER THE SEED.
Here's how to store it:
There's a white silica gel in every product you choose. Silica contains silicon dioxide, which acts as a moisture absorbent. To use it, place the seeds in an air-tight container or jar & weigh them. Further, place the silica gel in the container in a separate way. Keep it packed for a week to check the results. Lastly, to know how effective the silica gel is - check the weight again. This way, you can measure how much water or moisture has been absorbed.
THE RAPID THE AGING PROCESS, THE LONGER THE VIABILITY OF THE SEED. DRYING THE SEED:
Sometimes, the seeds may look dry from the outside. Yet, it still contains some moisture in it & there's no better way than drying it carefully. Be careful when you dry them because overheating is harmful to live seeds. Above 100° F can harm your seeds!
On the contrary, the silica gel indicates when the moisture is soaked, it turns green from orange & you don't have to fuss. Additionally, you have to replace the desiccant after it gets moisture & it is completely safe to replace or place as it is sealed and doesn't contaminate your seeds.
IF YOU STORE YOUR SEEDS IN ANY CONTAINER - PLASTIC, PAPER, STEEL, A DESICCANT WILL ONLY EXTEND THE SHELF LIFE.
In cold countries, where spring is only for a short span, it is troublesome to maintain the moisture level as the air is dry. In such a situation, the seeds should be kept indoors safely & dry well so that you can consume seeds during winters.
FREEZING THE SEED:
If you plan to sow the seeds again after quite some years, then the seeds should be dry enough to freeze them. Before drying and sowing might not be ideal. To make it ideal, place a silica gel in your container & wait until it wicks away the moisture. We are sure that they are fully dry and good to go in the freezer.
Pro tip: To store your seeds, check the temperature & humidity level in the atmosphere. Once you've got the measurement, add up both the numbers and check the total. If it's below 100, it's an optimum place to store it.