Everything You Need in Your Seed Storage Kit – 16 Essentials to Keep Seeds Safe for Sowing Next Year

Keep your seeds somewhere dry, dark, and cool

The Cut: seed storage kit
(Image credit: Future)

Harvesting seeds from the garden is one of the most rewarding jobs, not to mention it saves money. But if you don't store seeds correctly, your collecting efforts may go to waste. Seeds need a cool, dark, and dry environment to store safely and stay viable for planting next year, and the right kit for this can make all the difference.

This is true whether you collect seeds or have store-bought seed packets to put away. One of the easiest ways to store seeds is in a seed tin (like this beautiful wildflower seed tin from Amazon), which not only keeps seeds dry but looks great styled on a potting bench. You can also keep seeds organized by using DIY seed packets (like these from Walmart) and noting down your stock in a garden journal (this floral one from Amazon is a beautiful choice).

Other methods to store seeds include this seed storage binder from Amazon and glass jars. Kilner jars (like these from Wayfair) are reliable because they're airtight and will keep seeds dry. And when it comes to sowing your seeds, a dibber (like this Burpee one) and seed ruler (like this from Amazon) are useful to have on hand, as well as other seed sowing essentials.

Whichever seeds you need to store this fall, the 16 items below can make it a smooth and organized process. Here are our top picks of essentials for your seed storage kit.

When you do eventually sow your seeds, make sure to steer clear of seed sowing mistakes. This includes covering those that need light to germinate, sowing in the wrong soil, and not keeping seeds hydrated to encourage sprouting.

There are also several ways to prepare for seed sowing so your efforts are successful. Getting your potting bench in order and workspace prepared is key to keeping things organized, minimizing mess, and avoiding seeds going missing.


If you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, why not sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox?

Tenielle Jordison
Gardens Content Editor

Tenielle is a Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. She holds a qualification in MA Magazine Journalism and has over six years of journalistic experience. Before coming to Homes & Gardens, Tenielle was in the editorial department at the Royal Horticultural Society and worked on The Garden magazine. As our in-house houseplant expert, Tenielle writes on a range of solutions to houseplant problems, as well as other 'how to' guides, inspiring garden projects, and the latest gardening news. When she isn't writing, Tenielle can be found propagating her ever-growing collection of indoor plants, helping others overcome common houseplant pests and diseases, volunteering at a local gardening club, and attending gardening workshops, like a composting masterclass.