Preserving Leftover Seeds: The Oxygen-Absorber Jar Method

Day 20 of the 30-Day Challenge: You've planted, now you have half-empty seed packets. Don't waste them—store them right.

Common Advice (And Why It's Flawed)

• Freezer in double bags: risks moisture damage, lowers germination.
• Ziploc in cool dark place: only ~1 year viability.

A Better Way: Vacuum-Sealed Canning Jars

Inspired by Martha Stewart (glass jar in cool shed) and long-term food storage (oxygen absorbers):

1. Place seeds in a clean glass canning jar.
2. Add an oxygen absorber packet.
3. Apply a hot, fresh lid and screw band—creates a vacuum seal as oxygen is removed.
4. Store in a cool, dark place.

Reported viability: up to 3 years. Minimal air/moisture exposure. I'm testing this now—will report back.

Challenge Update

Garden's growing! Photos on my blog (Day 19). Questions? Ask away. Four articles left in the challenge.