Re: seed envelopes
- To: s*@eskimo.com
- Subject: Re: seed envelopes
- From: J* B* D* <b*@netvision.net.il>
- Date: Thu, 05 Nov 1998 09:07:10 -0600
- References: <9775-36403535-269@mailtod-111.iap.bryant.webtv.net>
- Resent-Date: Wed, 4 Nov 1998 23:06:49 -0800
- Resent-From: seeds-list@eskimo.com
- Resent-Message-ID: <"baHKs3.0.Hp1.9wKGs"@mx1>
- Resent-Sender: seeds-list-request@eskimo.com
Marlynn Marcks wrote:
> I got the following from another list:
> "OK heres my 2 cents,
> I grow a lot of Heirloom vegetables and it is
> very important for me to store the seed properly so I store most of them
> in (Barrier Pouches) for those of you who haven't heard of these before
> they are white envelopes lined with a type of foil that is heat sealable
> with an ordinary clothes iron,
> When the seeds are dried and sealed properly in this type of
> pouch and stored in your refrigerator they are supposed to keep seeds
> viable (5) times longer then any other types of containers, I can
> personally vouch for these, I opened up a pouch of bean seed last year
> that was dated June of 1981 and had a 75% germination success, usually
> bean seed is only good for about 4-5 years. As long as you make sure
> that the seeds are good and dry, (I usually wait a few weeks after I
> think there good and dry to be sure). They come in two sizes from this
> place I'm going to post, the small ones hold about a dozen large AG
> seeds and the Large ones hold about 3-4 times that amount. I get mine
> from: Southern Exposure Seed Exchange- www.southernexposure.com." Hope
> it is helpful.
>
This is probably not metal foil, but a shiny mylar plastic, which melts
when ironed. This is the stuff used to make the sacks potato and corn
chips are packed in.
I am puzzled by this, because I was taught that seeds are still living,
and need oxygen to survive. Many of the airtight foil packets of
commercial seed instruct you NOT to reseal the envelope tightly. My
understanding was that the seed companies add a puff of oxygenated air
to the packets before packing - but home gardeners must not seal the
packet tight, or the seed will die. Comments anyone?
By the way, if all you need is a hermetic seal, a simple ziploc bag
should be adequate. Place the ziploc bags in a Tupperware-type plastic
container, and you are about as airtight as any fancy packet.
Joshua
