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If you have been a homesteader for a while, you may have caught wind of the idea that seeds will be the future currency after a disaster. The ability to grow food is important and one that we shouldn’t take for granted in today’s economy.
Homesteaders have been saving seeds for a long time. You may enjoy a particular type of watermelon that did well in the garden this year, so you decide to save the seed to plant in the spring. However, a seed bank includes many different types of seeds to essentially feed you and your family in an emergency.
While there are over 1,000 seed banks globally, with the most famous one being the Doomsday Vault in Norway, you can start a seed bank right in your own home. Learn more about how to create a survival seed bank for long-term survival with these tips.
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Different Ways to Gather Seeds
There are a few ways to get your hands on seeds that are good to save in a survival seed bank.
From Your Garden
Collecting seeds from your garden is a great way to ensure that you are saving seeds from food that your family enjoys. You’ll want to ensure that the seeds are from mature and healthy plants at the end of their growing season.
There are a few different types of seeds that are best for long term storage. Open-pollinated seeds or heirloom varieties are best for saving. Hybrid seeds aren’t recommended for survival seed banks as they are usually sterile or have different qualities than the parent plant.
From the Farmer’s Market
Local produce sold at farmer’s markets or even from your neighbor is a great source of natural seeds. These plants grow well in your area, and it is good to double-check where the farmer is located if you aren’t sure.
When shopping for seeds to save, choose vegetables at the end of their growing season to ensure that the seeds are ready to go. Otherwise, you may save immature seeds that won’t do anything when you need them most. Saving seeds from produce at the grocery store also isn’t recommended as many items are hybrid seeds.
Order a Seed Kit
While it is cheaper to save your own seed or gather seed from local sources, you may not have the time or energy to do so. Seed kits are an option for those who want viable seed ready in an emergency and have the money to spend. Ready-made seed kits cost between $50 – $150, and they often come packaged in Mylar bags for better storage.
How to Dry Seeds
After you’ve gathered the seeds, it is vital to dry the seeds correctly so that they survive and don’t spoil.
Dry Seeds
Any plant that isn’t fleshy, like peppers, beans, and herbs, has dry seeds. Scoop out the seeds and lay them in a single layer to dry. Remove the outer coverings or shells as well. For tiny seeds, place them into a paper bag and shake the bag to remove the outer cover from the seed.
Wet Seeds
For seeds inside fleshy vegetables and fruit, you’ll need to store them a bit differently than those that are already dry. Remove seeds from inside these wet plants and put them into a bowl of water for a few days. The seeds will ferment and separate into viable or bad seeds. The good ones will sink while the bad seeds will float and start to mold. Remove the good seeds and place them in a single layer on a paper towel to dry.
Freeze Out Bugs
After drying your dry or wet seeds, it is essential to pop them into the freezer to help kill any other kind of bacteria or pests that could spoil the seeds later on. However, it is vital that you only freeze the seeds when they are completely dry; otherwise, you could split the seeds in the freezer if any moisture is left.
How to Store Seeds
The main priority when storing seeds for long-term storage is to keep them away from moisture and animals.
Choose Your Container
Use airtight containers, like mason jars, to help reduce air content. Glass mason jars allow for clear viewing so that you can check the seeds inside to make sure they aren’t spoiled.
You can also store seeds for your survival seed bank in mylar bags. These are special bags that are made for storing items long-term. Adding an oxygen absorber can also help with keeping any seeping air away from seeds.
Other seed storage boxes include metal or plastic containers that you can often find around the house. While these aren’t recommended for long term storage, they are an option for storing seeds year to year.
Label Seeds Carefully
Even the most experienced homesteader may question their knowledge of seeds if they aren’t labeled correctly. You may think you’ll remember the seed type and variety, but chances are better that you will forget.
While you can print out colorful labels for your survival seed bank, all you really need is a permanent marker. Write down the variety of seeds as well as when you placed them into the airtight container.
Store Seeds Correctly
Your survival seed bank should be stored near your emergency supplies in a cool, dry place. While mason jars and Mylar bags provide a good amount of protection, you can take it one step further by placing them into another sturdy container. This doubles their protection from the elements, and if you have to use your seed bank to feed your family in a disaster, you’ll be glad you had a bit of extra protection.
Other Survival Seed Bank Tips
Seed banks are one of those topics that can bring out the prepper in you. Many people haven’t thought about seed banks and just how important they may be one day. Be careful who you share with about your seed bank. While it can be good to share seeds with friends and neighbors, you may want to keep the location of your seed bank secret just to be safe.
Creating your own survival seed bank is a great way to plan for the future and keep your family safe in an emergency. While many of us may compost or feed seeds to chickens, creating a seed bank will make you think differently about food scraps. Follow all of these tips to create a survival seed bank for long-term storage.
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