Seed Storage: The Best Way to Store and Organize Garden Seeds

Last Updated on January 11, 2025

If you’re anything like me (or any other avid gardener I know) you likely have a huge collection of seeds. But it’s time to say goodbye to your overflowing, jumbled cardboard boxes or containers full of spilling, long-forgotten seed packs – and come say hello to the BEST way to store your garden seeds.

Our seed storage organizer is an incredibly effective, efficient, and tidy way to store and organize seeds by type. It works so well, it’s gone viral! Once you get your seed packs all neatly tucked into these containers, you will say: Where have you been all my life? Really.

While we’re at it, let’s also talk briefly about ideal seed storage conditions and seed “expiration dates”.

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The Best Way to Store and Organize Seeds is… In Photo Storage Cases 

Check these out! We started using these storage containers for garden seeds many years ago, and never looked back. They make my little Type-A heart SO happy. I started sharing our seed storage organizers on Instagram back in 2017, which rapidly caught on as the most trendy and popular way to store seeds… and understandably so!

The containers were designed to fit 4×6” photographs, but are the ideal size for storing seed packs. They keep seed packages perfectly organized, secure and dry. The particular brand of cases we like are also exceptionally well-made, sturdy, and long-lasting.

Labelling

To organize seeds, we create and label each individual case for every category of vegetable, flower, and herb seed. We use these labels, which fit perfectly on the top of each inner case.

For example, we have one case for tomatoes, lettuce, eggplant, melons, cauliflower, squash seeds, and more. We have so many seeds that I broke them down further when needed, like “hot peppers” and “sweet peppers”, or “short radishes” along with a box for “long radish” daikon types. For even better organization, I use big one box for our summer crops, and another for cool season seeds for the fall and winter garden.

In addition to looking neat and organized, this seed storage system makes everything so easy to find. When I need to take inventory of what seeds we have or what to order more of, I can quickly go through each box and make a list. If I want to head out to the garden to plant a quick bed of carrots, I can just grab the smaller case of carrot seeds and bring it with me!

RELATED: Come see the 13 best places to buy heirloom and organic garden seeds, when to start seeds (including planting calendars for every growing zone), or learn best practices for starting seeds indoors.

Our Seed Storage Boxes

We use these photo storage boxes to store garden seeds. They are available either in a two-pack or a single container. There is also a multi-colored option, which would be super cute for color-coding veggie and flower seeds into a corresponding/matching case.  

There are some slightly cheaper options out there, but we love that our seed storage containers are made in the USA and very high quality. Some folks have found similar boxes at Michael’s or other craft stores, but reported back that they’re made in China and the clasps or handles are not nearly as durable, often breaking within just a few months. In contrast, we’ve had ours for almost 10 years and they’re still in pristine condition!

Each large box contains 16 individual cases inside. The 4×6” cases can hold anywhere from 6 to over a dozen seed packages, depending on the size of the seeds. Meaning, fewer packets of large seeds like beans or corn will fit in each case compared to tiny seeds like kale or tomatoes. In that case, I simply created two “bean” boxes to fit them all.

Ideal Conditions for Storing Seeds

But… Don’t seeds have to be stored in the refrigerator? 

There is a common suggestion floating around in the gardening world that seeds must be stored in the refrigerator. Sure, the temperature range of 32-41°F can be ideal for long term storage. However, it isn’t mandatory. Furthermore, storing seeds in the fridge isn’t practical for most people. Particularly for those of us with large seed collections, and a fridge already stuffed to the brim with homegrown produce! 

Any cool, dry, dark location is suitable for storing seeds. Inside a closet, cabinet, north-facing room in your home that isn’t subject to temperature swings, or in a cool basement are all excellent choices. Heck, these seed organizers would even slip nicely under a bed!

“Consistency is key when it comes to temperature and humidity levels. This is why you should avoid storing seeds in a spot that isn’t climate-controlled, like a garage or shed, where temperatures and moisture levels can fluctuate wildly.”

Seed Savers Exchange

Moisture is the absolute worst for seeds; less than 40% humidity is ideal. That’s another added benefit of our photo storage seed boxes: they’re double-encased to keep moisture out. If you do choose to store your seeds in a refrigerator, store them in an air-tight container. If needed, use silica desiccant packs inside your seed storage containers to absorb excess moisture. Also, if you are a seed-saver yourself, make sure the seeds are 100% dry before storing them!

Seed Expiration Dates

Can I use old seeds past their “sell by” or expiration date?

Yes, within reason. As opposed to an expiration date, you’ll most often see “packed for” (or sell by) date on garden seed packages – such as packed for 2018. The date represents when they will be the freshest, and most closely follow their listed germination rate, which is the percentage of seeds that successfully sprouted during trials at the seed company. Yet most seeds will successfully sprout and grow for many years beyond that date, depending on the type of seed (and how they were stored).

Most seeds are viable for about three to four years past their “sell by” date (on average). Over time, the germination rate and viability will decline. To overcome that, we simply sow a few extra “old” seeds when we’re using them. Yet keep in mind that some types of seeds hold up longer in storage better than others. For example, crops like onions, leeks, parsnips, and spinach are notoriously short-lived. Try to use those up more quickly!

See the seed viability chart below to see how long do seeds last. When in doubt, you can also perform a simple seed germination test to see if they’ll still sprout – before you bother planting them!

And there you have it: the best seed storage system, ever.

Thanks for tuning in today. I hope you find this new seed storage system as handy, easy, and fun as we do. Now go have fun organizing all your seeds!

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