Transform Your Garden with The Best Seed Storage Containers

on Jan 06, 2024

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Have you wanted to save your own seeds but not known how to store them? I’ve got a ton of creative ideas for saving, organizing, and storing seeds. I’ll share what I think is the best garden seed organizer ever and give you lots of other options that work well too!

brown paper envelopes labeled with seed names and small glass jars for seed organization

Why do I Need a Garden Seed Organizer?
How to Organize Your Garden Seeds
15 Creative Seed Storage Ideas
My Favorite Garden Seed Organizer
More Garden Seed Posts You’ll Love

Why do I Need a Garden Seed Organizer?

Have you ever saved seeds, put them in a bag, and tucked them in a shoebox for next year? Only to find out some of the seeds spilled out, mixed together, and some actually germinated and then died?

That, is why you need a seed organizer. 😉

The best seed storage containers will keep seeds in the proper conditions and separated from each other. There’s no guesswork!

Organizing seeds is important for many reasons that involve both time and money. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ordered a particular seed only to find out I already have three packets of the same seed!

Being organized increases garden productivity, too. Depending on your seed organization methods, it’s a way to know how to start seeds indoors, when to start seeds indoors, when to winter sow, and when and what to plant outside.

Equally important, proper seed storage helps keep seeds viable for as long as possible. Stronger, more viable seeds will germinate quicker with a better germination rate. They’ll also grow better and give you a better harvest.

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plastic pot storing seed packets on gardening table

How to Store Seeds Properly

Keep seeds dry, cool, and away from direct sunlight. Maintain these storage conditions until you’re ready to plant again.

Seeds need warmth, moisture, and light to germinate. Seeds can be stored for a long time if done properly. Choose where to store seeds carefully – making sure the location is cool, dark, and dry. Beyond storing though, you’ll also want to organize seeds.

How to Organize Your Garden Seeds

Now you know why it’s in your best interest to learn how to store home garden seeds correctly. Keeping them organized is a different beast. If you chuck them all in a box I promise you will not remember what is what.

When choosing an organization method, think about what will work best for your brain. Here are my favorite ways to keeping my seeds organized.

Alphabetical Order

There are several ways you can organize your garden seeds. Some people prefer to alphabetize the seeds in a simple tote. Anise, broccoli, carrots etc.

Planting Time

Some people organize seeds by the dates they need them. Put all seeds together, for instance, that need to be started indoors around the same time. This is a great way to make sure you stay on top of seed starting and also sow seeds at the right time. For example:

Peppers and eggplants can be stored together because they need a long time to grow from starts before they’re planted outside.

Cool weather crops like radish, carrots, and lettuce can be stored together because they can be directly sown into the garden around the same time.

Planting guide

Others organize seeds based on where they intend to plant them. If you use raised garden beds, this can be a great way to make sure you fill each bed according to your garden planting guide.

Type of Plant

One of the easiest ways to organize flower and vegetable seeds is to group them by type. All tomato varieties are stored together. Lettuce packets are grouped together. Flower seeds are grouped together.

I used to prefer storing seed packets according to group types. I have recently started sorting them by date, however, and that helps keep me on track to start seeds on time and also sow seeds in the garden on time.

metal box seed storage ideas with dried beans on table

15 Creative Seed Storage Ideas

Now that you know ways to organize your seeds, here are creative seed storage solutions. From plastic bags to plastic sleeves and photo albums, to photo storage boxes, and covered totes, you will find a great option for your seed collection.

You can find great ways to store seeds at stores like the Dollar Store, Amazon, and even among items you save at home. Here are some airtight containers that make the best seed storage containers.

Just remember, keep your seeds cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.

Best Containers for Storing Seed Packets or Paper Envelopes

Plastic shoe box with lid
Cardboard photo boxes
Other cardboard boxes
Old photo album with clear pocket sleeves
Seed keeper binder
Metal seed box
Wooden recipe box with dividers
Large shallow, plastic storage box or tote with lids

Practical Containers for Seeds Harvested Yourself

Glass spice jars
Ziplock bags
Tackle or craft organizer boxes
This plastic seed storage box
Upcycled pill containers
Mason jars with lids
Other glass jars – upcycled jelly jars, spaghetti jars etc

seed storage box with packets of heirloom seeds

My Favorite Garden Seed Organizer

For years I had a haphazard garden seed organizing system which amounted to shoving seed packets in a shoebox or a ziplock baggie (or both) and putting them in a “safe spot” I was sure to forget about. Sound familiar at all? If you’re like I was, I highly recommend upgrading to this awesome photo box I got on Amazon. I think it’s a real bargain at under $20.

Seed storage containers come in many different sizes, but I think this one is the best way to save the seeds for my flower and vegetable garden. It’s one big box with 16 individual plastic containers inside. The 4×6 size is perfect for keeping seed packets.

Further organize the boxes by labeling with stickers or a label maker and your seeds are easy to find when you need them!

The Best Garden Seed Organizer Ever with different seed storage containers and heirloom seed packets on table

All in all, I love this seed saving box. It’s easy to use, handy to store, and quick to find. It makes ordering new seeds a snap and keeps all my pretty little lovelies safe and sound. If you’d like to order one too, you can find them at Amazon or craft stores like Michael’s.

black seed packet in plastic container for seed storage

My only caveat is that you have to close each envelope tightly or the seeds will fall out. That’s not necessarily a huge problem unless you have a lot of different types of seed packets open in each box. It’s pretty hard to tell one broccoli seed from a kale or cabbage seed!

Can I save my own seeds from the garden?

Open pollinated seeds can be harvested throughout the season. Save mature seeds from fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Let them dry and then store in a cool, dry, dark place.

How long can I store seeds?

Most store-bought seeds claim to be viable for one year past purchase. Lots of seeds, however, will be viable for lots of years, not just one. The key is keeping the proper storage and proper moisture level.
Lettuce, spinach, and onion seeds really do only last about a year.
Corn, pea, and bean seeds last about two years.
Tomato seeds, brassica, cucumber, and eggplant last about five years.
Check the chart at Colorado State Extension for more seed viability statistics.

What’s the best way to keep seeds dry?

If you save your own seeds, you’ll want to make sure they are very dry before storing. Spread them out in a thin layer so air can reach them on all sides. Let them dry for several days before storing. You may also want to use silica gel packets to remove excess moisture.

Can I store seeds in the freezer?

The freezer is too cold for many seeds, so the refrigerator is a better place to store seeds if you’re looking for a cool, dark place. Your cellar, a dark bedroom closet, under the spare bed also make a perfect place to store heirloom seeds and all of your seed packs.

How to make seed saving envelopes?

Seed envelopes are so easy to make! And I make it even easier by giving subscribers a printable template for paper envelopes.