Storage of spare seeds

[evoblade]

Hi all, whats the best way to store any spare seeds I have left to use next year. Last season I had some peas and runner beans left, so this year I planted them but not one germinated, after 5 attempts have now brought some beans plants and planted fresh peas and we are grwing well. I have planted other seeds from last year with good results. what is the best way to store the seeds?
thanks

[rustylady]

In their original packets, somewhere cool and dry.

[StephenH]

I keep mine in their original packets, or in a paper envelope if self-saved, in a plastic food-container with a snap-fit lid, in the fridge.

[evoblade]

ive been told the fridge before by an old gel, thought she was having me on. so not the airing cupboard then! I suppose the shed could be too damp.
I will try the fridge this year, thank you

[Alison]

I have far too many seeds to keep in the fridge and until I read somebody on here recommending it I'd never thought about it - I'd have to buy another fridge specially for seeds! I keep mine in old metal biscuit tins on a shelving unit in the front room and they germinate just fine with no special treatment whatso ever. The most important thing is to keep them dry.

[WPG]

Snap Alison! I also keep mine in an old metal biscuit tin, which I leave in a dark corner in the hall. Haven't had a problem getting the old seed to germinate.

The only thing I've put in the fridge is this years leftover parsnip seeds - didn't have the heart to throw them out, even though they're most likely doomed.