I have a great big box of seed packets, jars, and envelopes. And it must make me look a bit over the top, because people who see it always ask, “Can you keep those from year to year?”
It depends on how long and how they are stored I tell them.
Heat and moisture are the big enemies in seed storage. And over time germination rates go down. 
But scientists just regenerated a 32 thousand-year old plant–the oldest ever. Bear in mind the seeds were found frozen, transported frozen and reproductive material was extracted and regenerated. They didn’t just plop it in growers mix. 
Meanwhile–We found this seed packet from the early 90s in a box of recipes from my mother-in law’s kitchen and despite several tries, I didn’t get a single sprout. Too close to the stove for too many years, I guess.
Seeds survive best in a cool, dry place. Freezing is an option.
Years ago I kept seeds in the freezer in a plastic bag with a paper towel bundle of powdered milk as a desiccant to wick the moisture away. It worked pretty well–but the bag kept getting bigger and bigger. There was no room for food.
So I keep it simple–an antique seed box under a bench in the dinning room (Not Outdoors!)
How about you? It’s the season for seeds. What great successes are you having?
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February 24, 2012 at 6:57 pm
margie
For years I have stored my seeds in plastic sandwich bags with a zip lock in a larger Target bag in a refrigerator we keep in the garage for “overflow.” While 10 year old seed may lack the germination force of newer seed, if I have a lot I just over-seed. This method allows to me to purchase seeds in Europe that are hard to locate in the us and will tuck nicely into a suitcase. I first discovered Fortex beans while in France almost seven years ago. They are now readily available in the US and this is the first year I’ve had to purchase a new supply. I still have some seeds from an Italian trip nine years ago Arugula Sauvage and even shared some with my sister. Still the best arugula around!
Margie
7B Dawsonville, Ga
February 24, 2012 at 7:37 pm
christineramsey
Please seed Arugula seeds, Margie. I’ll trade for a tomato I brought home from Sicily. BTY–US Customs has taken my seeds away in the past because I don’t have a sanitary seed importing certificate. Seeds are lumped in the same check box with food, fruit, medical and nuclear materials. Seems a little unfair if you are bringing home commercial seed. But we better say no more…
Thanks for the frig tip. I need a second frig. C