Is it necessary to dry all seeds before storing them? How do I dry them?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is it appropriate to trade seeds acquired last year? How many seeds are considered a 'fair' trade? How should I package my seeds? What is the best way to mail seeds to ensure their safe arrival? Is it acceptable to just send a dried flower head or pod? Can I be certain seeds will be fertile and grow true to the parent plant? Are there seeds that should not be traded during the winter? Is it necessary to include growing information with my seed trades? How and when to collect seed from my garden plants? Is it necessary to dry all seeds before storing them? How do I dry them? How do I prepare seeds inside berries for storage/trading? Is it really necessary to clean seed before storing or trading it, and if so, how? How should I store seed after harvesting, drying, and cleaning it? How do I know if my seed is viable?* How do I know if my plants are hybrids that may not produce seed true to the parent plant?*

This depends on the species. Some seeds, especially from Alpine plants, do not survive dry storage and need to be stored moist in a plastic bag of damp sand or vermiculite, or sown immediately. Some seeds can be dry-stored but lose viability quickly; such seeds will last longer if refrigerated and are best if sown within six months of harvest. Some seeds have been known to survive dry storage for thousands of years. The seed of *most* flowering plants stays viable longest if dried before being stored. Once seed has ripened and at least begun to dry on the parent plant, it should be harvested and placed in a cool, dry, shaded location with good air circulation to complete the process slowly. Be patient; some seeds may need up to six weeks to dry thoroughly. Too much heat can cause seeds to dry too quickly, dessicate, and die. Once the seeds have ceased any changes in appearance (some seeds will darken, shrivel, etc. during the drying process), they can be safely stored for later use. REGISTER YOUR SEEDS   Full name: Email address: GROUP INVOLVED: ANGLSEYBLAENAU GWENTBRIDGENDCAERPHILLYCARDIFFCARMARTHENSHIRECEREDIGEONCONWYDENBEIGHSHIREFLINTSHIREGWYNYDDMERTHYR TYDFILMONMOUTHNEATH AND PORT TALBOTNEWPORTPEMBROKESHIREPOWYSRHONDDA CYNON TAFFSWANSEATORFAENTHE VALEWREXHAMOTHER IF OTHER, PLEASE STATE: TYPE OF SEEDS OFFERED VEGETABLESFRUITFLOWERSCUTTINGSBULBS DATE HARVESTED DD/MM/YY AMOUNT OFFERED POST DISCRIPTION:

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