Re: Storing seeds - I'm stumped

Beth:

Silica gel is a granular dessicant that comes in little packets.
Manufacturers place these packets in boxes of electronics, leather goods or
any other item that could be damaged or altered by dampness or water. 

Unless you want to collect those little packets that come in shoe boxes or
VCR's, or  are very friendly with a local retailer who could supply you with
some, I'd suggest a craft store. They use it to dehydrate flowers. 

Chris Andersen told me when I saw him last December, that he stores his seed
in silica gel placed into those little black plastic film containers and
places them in the freezer.  After retrieving the seeds in the Spring, he
bakes the silica gel granules on a sheet in the oven on low heat for 15-20 min
or so to dry it out. He recycles his silica gel that way, and re-uses it for
next year's seed.

You really don't need a lot of silica gel to assure dry seeds. You may want to
spare the expense and gather a few packets from a local store. Just ask the
manager in any shoe store. They'll be glad to help. All the better if you have
an electronics manufacturer in your area. They probably keep it in bulk.

Barb

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