Choosing the improper materials for seed containers can irreparably reduce the quality of your seeds. Non-food-safe plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your seeds, posing a risk to their health. Untreated wood can absorb moisture like a sponge, ruining your seeds. I have personally seen seeds ruined by using products made from these materials. Knowing what to avoid will help you protect your gardening investment.
Non-Food-Grade Plastics
- BPA and phthalates leach into seeds altering germination
- Thin plastics allow UV penetration degrading seed embryos
- Chemical contamination affects edible plants' safety
- Always look for FDA-compliant food-safe certifications
Untreated Porous Materials
- Wood absorbs ambient humidity causing mold growth
- Terracotta transfers mineral salts to stored seeds
- Unsealed cardboard attracts pests and absorbs odors
- Seal porous surfaces with food-grade wax if used
Metal containers pose some unique risks that gardeners sometimes overlook. Uncoated steel will develop rust contamination in a matter of months. Aluminum will react with the oil in the seeds to create toxic compounds. I lost rare varieties of peppers to corrosion in metal containers before I switched to a different material. Powder-coated steel is the only safe metal material to use.
Take simple, preventive measures to avoid material failures! When in doubt, line questionable containers with food-safe foil barriers. Use oxygen absorbers to minimize chemical reactions. I still "test" new containers before trusting valuable seeds; I use inexpensive seeds. These measures help protect the seeds from any unexpected damage.
Select materials that have a documented history of safety to avoid anxiety about storing seeds. Food-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic has a long history of chemical stability. Borosilicate glass is completely inert, meaning it also has complete protection. I have all my seeds in these containers. Your seeds should also have this level of security.
Read the full article: 10 Best Seed Storage Containers
