Can glass jars preserve seeds better than plastic?

Glass containers present a much more effective method for seed storing than plastic, as they provide an excellent barrier against the permeation of oxygen and moisture. Additionally, the non-porous nature of glass means no substrate can absorb any chemicals, unlike some plastic surfaces. I've been preserving heirloom tomato seeds in glass for decades, and have suffered no degradation. Glass is simply superior to plastic in a few critical protection categories.

The benefits of visual inspection set glass containers apart from others. It allows for the examination of seed conditions while keeping the container sealed. It avoids contamination by eliminating the need for contact or exposure. This is especially helpful for early identification of potential issues such as mold or moisture. My glass jars will immediately show condensation problems, while opaque plastic jars will conceal issues occurring internally.

Dealing with glass requires certain precautions to achieve optimal results. When placing jars in garages or sheds, wrap jars with bubble wrap. Use dark cabinets or paint the jars to avoid the light. I line my shelves with rubber mats and find that they work well in preventing impact damage. All these steps do a great job of meeting the challenge of glass's fragile characteristic.

Decide between glass and plastic based on your particular needs. Glass is ideal for long-term preservation of heirlooms. Plastic is more practical for use in a mobile garden, where seeds can be accessed every few days or a week, depending on your gardening system. My particular gardening system uses both plastic and glass for different seed categories. Your collection deserves to be protected at the proper level.

Read the full article: 10 Best Seed Storage Containers