Are reused pill bottles suitable for seed organization?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Finding new uses for pill bottles to organize seeds will surprise gardeners with its great value. Smaller containers keep seed varieties separate and protect them from outside elements. I have organized my over 50 herb varieties using pill bottles like this. Once they've been prepared, they will far outperform many professional options, while saving money!
Cleaning Process
- Soak bottles in vinegar solution to dissolve medication residues
- Scrub interiors with bottle brushes reaching all surfaces
- Rinse thoroughly and air-dry completely before use
- Eliminates chemical contamination risks to delicate seeds
Moisture Control
- Add silica gel packets to absorb internal humidity
- Use rice grains as natural desiccant alternatives
- Check moisture indicators monthly during storage
- Maintains optimal humidity below 40% for viability
Organizational systems unlock the potential and capabilities of these containers. It's best to appropriately label each bottle with the name of the variety and the date of acquisition. Color-coding caps can also help with identification. I personally utilize this method to group my lettuce varieties by season. Small seeds sustain little to no spillover and the venturing of the varieties.
Pill bottles function incredibly well for specific types of seeds. They work just right for seeds of a small size -- such as lettuce, basil, and poppies. Each pill bottle can hold a full season's supply of that particular seed, perfectly organized within the bottle. I find it works great for storing herbs in a drawer all in one place. Larger seeds require larger containers.
Utilize an inventive system using basic supplies. Stack bottles into photo storage cases with dividers. Add magnetic strips to refrigerator doors for vertical storage. I effectively arranged both options in my kitchen setup. It's a great idea for maximizing limited space.
Begin your seed organization process right now with cleaned pill bottles! Not only is this an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic containers, but it can also save you money. Once your seeds have been organized, they will express their gratitude by germinating and thriving much better next season. Take the chance to upcycle and organize your gardening efforts!
Read the full article: 10 Best Seed Storage Containers
