A Simple Frugal Way to Organize Your Seeds

Every year, I try to improve my gardening, remembering to take a little bit more time to yield better outcomes. This year, when I opened up the drawer where I keep my garden seeds, green tea, and some recipes, I saw seeds all at the bottom. I decided that folding over last year’s seed packets would be good enough.

I shared a video on TikTok about organizing my drawer below. This year, I had fun shopping on the TikTok shop for the first time and saw this cute seed binder, but what sold me was the seed envelopes. You can always grab a photo book at Dollar Tree to put the seeds in, and if you want, you can buy the seed envelopes separately.

@thefrugalfarmgirl

If your seed collection is a hot mess like mine try this seed collection binder. Now I can easily store and organize my seeds by type, planting date or whatever makes sense to me. No more digging through my drawer and random seeds that fell out! #seedorganization #startingseeds #tiktokshopfinds #seedstorage #gardenorganization #seedsaving #organizedgarden #gardenhacks #seedcollection #growyourownfood #gardeningtiktok

♬ original sound – The Frugal Farm Girl

As far as a deal, the exact seed binder I bought is way cheaper on TikTok! I paid $7 for it, but on Amazon, it’s selling for $17! ( You can grab it in my Tiktok shop link here ( works on mobile)

Why Bother Organizing? (Besides Sanity)

Okay, maybe “sanity” is a good enough reason! But seriously, getting your seeds in order does more than just look pretty. It helps with:

• Finding what you need fast: No more wasted time searching when you should be planting.
• Avoiding duplicates: Save money by knowing what seeds you already have.
• Keeping seeds fresh longer: Proper storage protects them from the elements.
• Planning your garden easily: Look at everything and map out your beds.
• Using your seeds! (The most important part, right?)

In 2022, I started writing down everything I wanted to grow and where I wanted to grow it. I always follow this companion planting chart because companion planting is a must-do for gardeners on a budget!

Seed Storage Ideas: From Simple to a Little Extra

You don’t need fancy containers to get organized. Here are a few ideas, from super simple to a bit more involved:

• The Binder Method (My Go-To!): I show this method in my TikTok video ( https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrugalfarmgirl?lang=en ). I use a small binder that holds the size of baseball card sleeves to hold individual seed packets. It’s easy to flip through and see everything. It also came with 50 cute seed envelopes, which are perfect if you harvest your own seeds.
• Photo Albums: Similar to the binder, use a photo album with clear pockets. These are great for seeing the pretty seed packaging.
• Tackle Boxes: A fishing tackle box with adjustable compartments works well for sorting by type.
• Repurposed Containers: Tea tins, spice jars, mint tins, etc.
• Dedicated Seed Boxes: You can find boxes explicitly designed for seed storage, often with dividers.
• DIY Dividers: Use cardboard or cardstock to make your dividers for any box.

How to Organize: Find What Works for You

There’s no right or wrong way, but here are some ideas to get you started:

• By Plant Type: Veggies, flowers, herbs, fruits.
• By Planting Season: Spring, summer, fall, winter.
• By Days to Maturity: Group by how long they take to grow.
• By Plant Size: Helpful for planning the garden layout.
• Alphabetically: Simple and effective.

Saving Your Seeds: A Quick Intro

Saving seeds is a great way to become more self-sufficient. Here’s the basic idea:

1. Choose open-pollinated or heirloom plants: These produce seeds that grow true to type.
2. Let things mature: Allow fruits/flowers to ripen before harvesting fully.
3. Clean and dry: Remove any pulp and dry the seeds thoroughly.
4. Store properly: Use airtight containers, label them with the plant name and date, and store them in a cool, dark, dry place.

If you haven’t started your seeds indoors yet, here’s everything you need to know.

Finding Seed Organizers (and Supporting Local

Check your local garden centers or hardware stores for seed boxes and organizers. Always check your local seed program. In our area, our local libraries have free seeds.

Organizing your seeds might seem like a waste of time, but it can make a big difference in your spring gardening. Especially if you live up north like we do and have a short growing season, we can’t waste any of our time. Give it a try—you might be surprised at how much easier (and less stressful) your gardening becomes!