By Fiona Gallagher · permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie
“After losing forty per cent of my heirloom tomato crop to damp, I learned that sealing seeds in airtight jars with silica gel is non-negotiable for our Tasmanian winters.”
— Fiona. If you can't eat it, it goes to the chooks.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopLook, if you're off-grid in Australia, your seeds are your lifeline. Mess up storage and you're eating tinned beans for winter. No bullshit.
Look, if you're off-grid in Australia, your seeds are your lifeline. Mess up storage and you're eating tinned beans for winter. No bullshit.
Seeds must be bone-dry, because anything over 10% moisture sees them rot or sprout inside the bag, and Tasmanian humidity is a proper nightmare. Your packet should feel like a dry leaf in your hand; if it's soft or smells musty, bin it.
Room temp? Bad idea. Seeds last 3x longer at 5°C than 25°C. In Australia, that means no garage in summer. Your fridge is your best mate. If you're off-grid, a small fridge powered by solar is non-negotiable. No exceptions.
It's not magic. Here's the real deal:
Test old seeds: Put 10 in a damp paper towel. If 70% sprout in 7 days? Keep them. Less? Toss. Wasting time on dead seeds is a rookie mistake.
Seed Savers Network (VIC) - $5-$15 for heirloom packs. They've got drought-proof veg. Buy 5 packs, get 1 free. Fair dinkum.
Greenlife (NSW/QLD) - $3-$10 for standard seeds. Bunnings stock their basics. Cheap but reliable for basics like capsicums.
Australian Seed Bank (SA) - $10-$30 for bulk. Only if you're serious. They do 1kg bags of beans. Overkill for most, but good for big off-grid homesteads.
Don't waste cash on fancy "organic" seeds. They're the same as regular if stored right. Save your money for silica gel.
Bottom line: Dry, cold, and test often. Your garden depends on it. No excuses. Get it right or eat rice for the next 12 months.
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
Worth a watch: Store Seeds Forever - Start Your Own Survival Seed Vault (Two Easy Methods) · David The Good