Sunday, December 30, 2012

Confessions of a seed hoarder


Yesterday, Eöl and I decided it was time to finally organize and catalog my massive seed stash.  I had seeds on my desk, in my bedroom, in the kitchen, in the storage closet, in the freezer, in the garage...and I'm sure there are some around here I haven't found yet, probably in the underwear drawer or some other unlikely place.

I picked up several small baskets at the dollar store.  I sorted each packet of seeds into the appropriate basket:  tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, etc.  I wrote down each and every variety, how much I had on hand, and whether it was purchased or saved seed.  

The room we were working in was a disaster.  Seeds everywhere.  Bags all over the floor.  But here's what I ended up with:



Since some seeds need stratification (cold treatment), I just put all of them in the freezer.  Freezing won't hurt   any of the seeds.  This freezer is packed full, and there are two wire  baskets of seed in the next freezer.


Eöl shelled the corn that was still on cobs.  Here's a pic of the strawberry popcorn he saved.
Aren't those kernels pretty?

He ended up with a "corn blister" since he didn't wear gloves.  If you ever have to do this, I highly suggest gloves!

And now I can sort through the huge pile of seed catalogs, compare what I want with my list of seeds, and maybe trim down that order a bit....or not. :)


4 comments:

Carolyn said...

Those are BEAUTIFUL corn seeds!

Oh, and yes, you have a problem. Although not really a "bad" problem, but a problem nonetheless.

Might I suggest CISSA? - Crazy Insane Seed Savers Anonymous?

Country Wife said...

It's not a problem. I can quit whenever I want to. :P **falls out of chair laughing**

Anonymous said...

Strawberry popcorn you say? Does it pop red?

Country Wife said...

Nope, pops white. It's called strawberry because the cobs are sort of strawberry shaped..and red. I'll post a pic when I get a chance.