From the page: The forgotten bottle deserves a new chapter
Idea 3
Organized seed pot
Storing seeds in airtight containers is an old practice of farmers and collectors: a seed is a living being in dormancy, and its worst enemy is moisture, which triggers germination too early and breeds fungus. A well-sealed, dry glass bottle creates a barrier against humid air, keeping the seed alive for much longer.
What you need
- A glass or plastic medicine bottle with a lid, well washed and completely dry
- Seeds (from vegetables, flowers, or beans you saved)
- Paper towel or raw rice (to absorb any residual moisture)
- A label or a small piece of paper and a pen
- A teaspoon or an improvised paper funnel
How to make it
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1
Wash the bottle with warm soapy water and let it dry upside down for a whole day; any hidden water droplet can ruin the seeds later.
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2
Put in a little raw rice or a rolled piece of dry paper towel, to absorb the moisture from the air that gets trapped when you open and close the bottle.
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3
Pour in the seeds with a small spoon or paper funnel, without filling to the lid: leave a little air gap so none get crushed when closing.
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4
Write on the label the name of the plant and the month the seeds were harvested; knowing the seed's age helps you know whether it will still germinate well.
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5
Store the pots in a cool, dark, dry place, such as an inner drawer of a cabinet — light and heat shorten the life of a sleeping seed.
Finishing touches
Do a simple viability test before planting: place a few seeds between damp paper towel sheets for a week and count how many sprouted. Smaller bottles are great for separating seeds by harvest or by variety.
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