Is it OK to wrap packets of seeds in clingfilm to post?

[kathyd]

I need to send multiple packets of seeds in the post, but have to stop them slipping around inside the envelope so they never go over the 3cm deep limit for letters. I've tried various bizarre methods of keeping them still, and the easiest and most effective is to wrap them in clingfilm. Is being wrapped in plastic for a few days likely to cause them any problems? I'm assuming it's OK because most of them are already in sealed foil (presumably airtight?) sachets? Please advise.

Thx

[veggiechicken]

That's a brilliant idea Kathy. I may have to steal it
Can't think of any reason why it could harm seeds? You can buy them in plastic bags and they're meant to be airtight.

[kathyd]

Lol, we aim to please * curtsey * . I can't see any reason why it shouldn't be OK either, and you're right, some people do sell them in plastic bags don't they? So that's my solution then . Been driving me mad for weeks! The number of strips of paper, staples, bits of sellotape, cut-up envelopes and glue sticks I've got through getting to this point would put Blue Peter to shame! Thx VC

[Mark Lottie]

I've done this but wrap them in paper first as i worried a bit of accidental moisture might make them rot, so the paper can absorb it instead

I make bindles.



also useful for keeping small quantities of culinary herbs or salts. ahem

[veggiechicken]

I know exactly what you mean as I struggle with the VSP seeds - trying to keep them flat enough for a letter stamp - not a parcel!
My default method is:-

Take a plastic bag (packaging off an old magazine, maybe
Divide the seed packets into acceptable height piles.
Set them out within the plastic bag and staple between the piles so that they can't slide into another section.

[Tomatoe]

I 2nd the wrap in paper first, you wouldnt want them to start sweating.

[kathyd]

These are already in paper sachets (retail packets), so I assume that will suffice - but thanks for the tip (and instructions!) if things change .

[Scarlet]

I store all my seeds in zip lock bags. If they are dried correctly they shouldn't have any moisture left. I think Nellie-m once sent me a load of seeds with a foam/corrugated card insert with the Middle cut out (think picture frame.)She then laid frame on cling film, filled the centre with seed packets to the depth of the frame and then wrapped over with cling film, so the seeds were sandwiched between the cling film and edged with a thick border. Pretty ingenious, worked a treat.

[kathyd]

Sounds fab . Bit time consuming though if you're doing it regularly, and would depend on having good stocks of suitable corrugated card or foam available! Creative lot tho aren't we?

[Kristen]

I 2nd the wrap in paper first, you wouldnt want them to start sweating.

Most of the seeds that I buy come in plastic zip-lock bags, I can't see plastic wrapping causing being a problem with sweating.

Some seeds that I buy are loose in a paper packet (itself printed with instructions and pretty picture). I hate these, once opened the remainder of the seeds want to fall out and the folded-over edge is never foolproof. e.g. Beetroot, all peas and beans fall into this category too, but the packets are much bigger which helps keeping left-overs.

Other seeds come in a sealed foil packet, within the same outer printed packet. Easy to fold-over the foil packet, and put it back in the outer packet for keeping.

Those two packaging methods apply to all the packets I am able to buy in the garden centre off a seed rack.



But most of the rest of the seeds that I buy, hundred of unusual things (ornamentals) and pretty much 100% of the things from companies like Premier Seeds (vegetables in this case) are just loose in plastic bags. In the case of Premier Seeds there is a label on the plastic bag with the variety name and that's it (instructions are online)

I hate plastic bags, particularly for fine/small seed as the static electricity means it sticks to the bag and won't come out! I much prefer the fold-over seed holders made from Glassine (thin, smooth transparent paper that is air and water resistant - originally sold for stamps I think) ... no static electricity on those . Some of the seeds I buy are in Glassine packets, inside ziplock bags. I've got enough saved Glassine packets now that I am self sufficient for my own seed collection

(Just had a look for Glassine envelopes ... they are about 3p each on eBay [if bought in qty] ...)

[Bigmallly]

I need to send multiple packets of seeds in the post, but have to stop them slipping around inside the envelope so they never go over the 3cm deep limit for letters.

I can't add to what has already been suggested but I assume you mean 3mm depth limit.

[kathyd]

I can't add to what has already been suggested but I assume you mean 3mm depth limit.

No, 3cm BM... you can post up to 3cm depth before you need to send parcel post, which is horrendously expensive over here (France). I think it's so the package fits through a letter box, so OH's made me a wooden one to test things before sending . But individual packets of seeds slide around of course, and can easily lump up to more than 3cm if you're not careful. The same 3cm rule applies in the UK I believe?

[Bigmallly]

Ok Kathy, apologies. I just thought 3cms was really wide.

[Kristen]

he same 3cm rule applies in the UK I believe?

We (now) have a ridiculous system where there is a thickness limit of 5mm on letters ... along with over all length/width. I'm sure it is deliberately designed (like congestion charge and pay-and-display parking) to catch people out and make more money on fines than charges ...

24cm x 16.5cm x 5mm thick up to 100g - Letter 62p / 53p [1st / 2nd class]

35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm thick up to 750g - Large Letter 93p / 73p (100g)

45cm x 35cm x 16cm thick up to 2kg - Small Parcel £3.20 / £2.80 (1kg)

[veggiechicken]

You're lucky Kathy, its only 2.5cms in the UK. Even a few beans, bunching up on top of each other can push it over the limit