We've learned through the years that not everyone wants or needs the same seed bank. If you are new to gardening and seed saving, it is best to choose vegetables that are easier to work with. But for some of us, we can and do grow everything and more challenging vegetables are a part of our gardens. And then there are those that want a full medicinal herb garden ready to plant when the need arises. We wanted you to be able to build the garden YOU want and not one chosen for you.

The first thing to do is pick your seeds. Choose from one or more of our garden collections, or pick individual seed packets. Whatever you want. Most vegetables seeds store for years without loss of fertility, but there are a few that degrade faster than others. Parsnips and spinach are going to be your most fragile seeds. Expect to replace parsnips yearly and spinach every other year. Carrot seeds keep for 2-3 years. The rest last for 5 or more years, so you don't have to worry about replacing them for a long time.

Next, pick your packaging. Personally, I'd package them according to shelf life. The small mylar bags hold several seed packages. I'd put the parsnips and spinach together and label it. Then organize according to use and gardening season, however you'd like. Label the small bags, and the put them all in one large mylar bag. Put in one or multiple dessicant packets to absorb the moisture in the bag, and you are finished. A big bag that can be stored in a cool, dry location for years if necessary.

Finally, add some books to your collection. We have a wonderful book on Organic Gardening, Seed to Seed on seed saving, and the Ball Blue Book for preserving. Everything you need to know to grow, save seeds, eat and preserve all the bounty from your garden.

Seed Banks