About Long-term Storage of Seeds All seeds will eventually lose their ability to germinate and grow. There are many factors that can contribute to this - genetics, environmental storage conditions, etc. Every seed is a living organism. They consist of a fertilized cell, a stored food source to get them going before they can 'take their first breath' (create their own food), and a life force. If they are stored properly, most can last for years. This does also depend on the seed type. Some, like parsnips, are very fragile and tend to lose viability quickly. Others can remain viable for years. The best thing that you can do for your seed is to store them in an airtight, not airless, container, in a cold, dark place. Refrigerators are excellent. The worst conditions for seeds are fluctuating levels of humidity and temperature. These variations "wake up" the seed, causing it to consume its precious food reserve. This is why seeds become weak or lose viability altogether . . . they don't have enough stored food left to grow into a plant. The reality is that seeds die over time. Even under professional storage conditions of ultra low seed moisture and subzero temperatures, seed banks must schedule regular grow outs to ensure the survival of seed varieties. Nature intended for seeds to be planted, to live a full life, and to make more seeds. The following document describes an easy method for storing extra seed for future plantings. It is in PDF file format:
Collecting and Storing Seeds From Your Garden These links may also be of interest to you: Seed Storage Information Simple Seed Germination Test Typical Seed Life Expectancies |
 - Important Survival Vegetables (ISVs) are staple crops based on their nutritional and/or caloric composition, for their potential high yield to garden space ratio, or for their ability to improve the soil.
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| "Canned Victory Garden"TM
Specification and Ordering Page[ About Storing Seeds ] [ About Preparedness Gardening ]
[ About the Can ] [ Frequently Asked Questions ]
There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" garden. Aside from personal taste preferences, your gardening conditions and skill level affect your success with these specific plant varieties. Our "Canned Victory Garden"™ is simply a response to the many requests we have received for an easy and cost effective way of ordering a large selection of seeds. Please read our position on long-term storage of seeds at home in the left column. Like every seed we sell, all of the seeds in this selection are open-pollinated and selected for their ability to grow under a broad range of climates. Some extra care may be required for certain varieties in your garden. You may also want to order additional varieties to adjust your garden to your specific needs. If you are a novice gardener and / or seed saver, good introductory books would also be a very valuable investment.
Click here for some recommendations. If you are seeking the "perfect" Victory Garden, visit our catalog and order exactly what you want and need. If you want something easy to purchase without having to spend the time placing a large order, here you go.
List of Included Seed Varieties and Quantities
| Vegetables
Varieties of produce for eating fresh, frozen, canned or
dehydrated. |
|
Bean, Slenderette (Bush-type)
|
2 oz. |
|
Bean, Henderson Bush Lima (Buch-type)
|
2 oz. |
|
Bean, Taylor's Dwarf Horticultural (Bush-type)
|
2 oz. |
|
Beet, Detroit Dark Red
|
7 gm. |
|
Broccoli, Green Sprouting Calabrese |
2 gm. |
|
Brussels Sprouts, Long Island Improved |
2 gm. |
|
Cabbage, Glory of Enkhuizen |
2 gm. |
Carrot, Danvers 126
|
4 gm. |
|
Carrot, Imperator 58 |
4 gm. |
|
Cauliflower,
Snowball Self Blanching |
1 gm. |
|
Celery,
Tall
Utah 52-70 |
0.25 gm. |
|
Collards, Morris Heading
|
4 gm. |
|
Corn, Improved Golden Bantam |
4 oz. |
|
Corn, Reid's Yellow Dent |
4 oz. |
Cucumber, Homemade Pickles
|
2 gm. |
|
Cucumber, Delikatesse |
2 gm. |
|
Eggplant, Black Beauty |
0.25 gm. |
|
Endive, Full Heart Batavian |
1 gm. |
|
Kale, Dwarf Siberian Improved
|
4 gm. |
|
Leeks, Broad London (American Flag) |
2 gm. |
|
Lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson |
4 gm. |
|
Mustard, Tendergreen
|
4 gm. |
Onion, Red Burgundy
|
4 gm. |
|
Onion, Burrell's Yellow Valencia |
4 gm. |
|
Pea, Wando
|
3 oz. |
|
Pea, Oregon Sugar Pod II
|
3 oz. |
|
Pepper, California Wonder (Bell) |
1 gm. |
|
Pepper, Hungarian Sweet (Sweet Banana) |
1 gm. |
|
Pepper, Long Red Cayenne (Hot) |
1 gm. |
|
Pumpkin, Small Sugar |
6 gm. |
|
Radish, Red Bartender |
7 gm. |
|
Rutabaga, American Purple Top
|
5 gm. |
|
Salsify, Mammoth Sandwich Island
|
6 gm. |
|
Spinach, Bloomsdale Long Standing
|
1 oz. |
|
Squash,
Grey Zucchini (summer squash) |
3 gm. |
|
Squash, Burgess Buttercup (winter squash) |
7 gm. |
|
Squash, Dwarf Summer Crookneck (summer squash) |
3 gm. |
|
Squash, Pink Banana (winter squash) |
7 gm. |
|
Swiss Chard, Lucullus
|
3 gm. |
|
Tomato, Ace 55 |
0.25 gm. |
|
Tomato, Roma |
0.25 gm. |
|
Tomato, Small Red Cherry |
0.25 gm. |
|
Tomato, Homestead 24 |
0.25 gm. |
|
Turnip, Purple Top White Globe
|
1 oz. |
|
Watermelon, Sugar Baby |
4 gm. |
| Herbs Herbs are typically easy to grow and are valuable as seasonings, folk medicines and trading commodities. |
|
Sweet Basil |
1 gm. |
|
Chives |
0.5 gm. |
|
Coriander (Cilantro) |
1 gm. |
|
Dill,
Mammoth |
0.5 gm. |
|
Parsley, Plain |
2 gm. |
|
Tobacco, Mohawk |
100 seeds |
|
Sage |
1 gm. |
|
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) |
2 gm. |
About The Can - Our can contains only fresh seeds packed for the current year, that meet or exceed state and federal standards. Each packet is labeled with growing instructions and consist of a standard light resistant seed envelope with an inner 2 mil re-sealable poly bag. This additional layer of protection helps to maintain seed viability. The packets are enclosed (not vacuum packed) in a one gallon, re-closable metal can with three desiccant packs to maintain a low humidity level. You must store the seeds in a location that remains consistently cool and dry to ensure maximum longevity and viability.
A 36 page booklet containing basic growing, harvest and seed saving information is included.
53 Plant Varieties -- A value of over $225.00
Note:
We do not keep these Garden Cans
sitting around on the shelf. Cans are made to order with seeds packaged for the current year.
Please allow 4 to 5 business days from the time we receive an order
to the time it is mailed.
Although we reserve the right to substitute varieties if an item becomes unavailable, it will be with one of equal or greater value and similar in variety. |
About Preparedness or Victory Gardening"No unemployment insurance can be compared to an alliance between a man and a plot of land." -- Henry Ford
Time Magazine, Jun. 13, 1932 One of our basic needs as human beings is the nourishment of our bodies. Learning to produce some of your own food is rewarding financially, physically, mentally and spiritually. If you are worried about an uncertain future, a good form of insurance is not to simply store seeds for "someday." Instead, begin to actively garden and learn to be a seed saver. Like any learned skill, it will be time well spent. When planning a garden to supply your nutritional and caloric needs, consider the space that you have, the time you can spend, the length of your growing season and the nutritional value of what you are planning to grow (refer to links on the left). Also consider planting and maintaining various nut and fruit trees, berries and grapes. |
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