Workbook: Harvesting & storing seed

To save seeds for use the following year it is perfectly sufficient after having dried them to keep them in a cool, dry place such as a paper packet or envelope. If you wish to store seed for longer periods, storing them in a fridge or freezer compartment works well. In both cases you should use an airtight container once the seeds are dry, a Kilner jar is an ideal storage container.

Tomato seed will last in storage for about six years, depending on the variety.

Seed recovery
When removing your seeds from storage to grow we recommend that you do two things:

• Allow the jar or container and its contents to come to room temperature before opening.
• Once open, allow the seeds to ‘rest’ for a few days at room temperature and ambient humidity before sowing. This allows the seeds to reabsorb moisture gradually and not shock them, giving a better chance of germination.