Kitchen Garden Forum

Does anybody know where I can obtain a small quantity of tiny (3" x 3") transparent bags, preferably with some kind of sealing mechanism, to contain small quantities of seeds?
I often like to give a few seeds of different veggies away to friends when they want to try something different but have problems decanting them from the original packets and finding something suitable in which to store them.

Hi Primrose, have you tried lakeland limited, I think they have self seal bags about that size for storing craft thingys like beads.
Emma.

If you are on friendly terms with your bank (or have a friend who works in one, transparent plastic bags for coins plus sellotape would be ideal...

Hello Primrose
You could try one of the office stationery 'sheds', like Staples. I see they sell this sort of stuff, called Grip Lock plastic bags.

John

I have bought very small transparent paper envelopes before from a stamp/coin shop because I believe the seeds are less likely to sweat in the paper.

It is not a good idea to put loose seeds in a plastic bag.
Allan

Thanks for your various suggestions. It hadn't occured to me that seeds might sweat in a plastic bag, but I can see this might be a problem. Perhaps various little scrunched labelled paper scraps inside some washed out Actimel biotic drinks might be the answer. I use these for bigger seeds quite satisfactorily, but tiny seeds like cabbages, tomatoes, etc. are more difficult to deal with.

More Veg send their seeds in exactly the type of bags you require. They market themselves as selling small quantities. They advertise in KG magazine, and are very approachable and helpful -I'd send them an e-mail and ask if they will sell you some or tell you who supplies them!

Hi Primrose,
Although some seed houses send their seeds in these Polythene bags they are not really correct in doing so. Polythene has a habit of sweating even in sealed packets
For this reason I buy small Manilla Envelopes about half the size of wage packets. The fact that I buy them from a Stationers in Worcester who's name I cannot recall is not really of any use to you!
JB.

Johnboy is right, as usual. The best thing to use is small envelopes. I have bought them from Woolies and W H Smiths. They aren't expensive.

For many years I have recycled old envelopes for this purpose.
Ideal
a) they are paper and allow the seeds to breathe
b) they are free.
Won't help of course if will do all our correspondence by e-mail

Alan

I use empty film containers for seeds. Never had a problem with the seeds deteriorating.

Could be interesting this Primrose.

"Excuse me madam could you tell me what those seeds in that small plastic bag are?"
"Just some garden seeds I'm saving."
"I see madam, could you explain why you have two hundred empty bags and some cash in the same box?"
......



Mind you the odds on seeing a copper, let alone being pulled over by one.

Hi Tigger,
I keep most of my seeds in ex medical containers but they too can become moisture traps if the seeds are not 100% dry when they go into them so for that reason I have an agreement with several chemists and my medical practice pharmacy to collect the small Silica Gel sachets used to keep medicines dry.
As a Nurse (Royale) I would imagine that you could quite easily obtain some sachets.
JB.

Now that's a good idea JB!