Big concern | How do I save seeds?

[Scrappy Coco]

I just received a mail order containing about 30 zip lock bags of seeds, and my main concern is: After I open a zip lock bag, do I simply lock it closed after I take what I need out and the seeds keep on maintaining healthy? Or.. Do I have to move them into another zip lock bag each time I open the zip lock bag. One more question as long as we're on that subject, at the moment I keep the 30 zip lock bags of seeds in the package I received it in my closet, simply because I'm not sure how I'm supposed to keep them, is that fine keeping them the way they are? I'm quite concerned so it would be great if anybody could address to my issue here, thanks.

[lanman]

I keep my seeds (mostly hot and superhot peppers) in the refrigerator in the little zip lock bags.

[rainbowgardener]

I keep seeds in paper envelopes (like for letters), inside of paper bags. The biggest killer of seeds in storage is moisture and the plastic bags keep the moisture in. If you are going to keep them in plastic, I would put a few air holes in. Store them in frig or freezer.

[evtubbergh]

You can buy seed envelopes which are quite small and really work well. I don't know about you but they actually stock them at the stationers here. Paper is better as mentioned already. I would transfer them all.

[imafan26]

I just keep the seeds in the envelopes they came in. I use tape to make sure they don't spill out. I date when I opened the seeds and when I take seeds out to plant them. I store seeds in the refrigerator in grocery bags. Seeds have their own shelf.

Seeds that I have saved have to be well dried or they get moldy.

Thanks everyone for the great tip. I always store seed I have collected in zip locs. I do have problems with seeds I have saved from my plants getting moldy especially when I take them in and out of the refrigerator, especially when I have a bulging bag of seeds. From now on I will put the seeds in smaller quantities in envelopes instead of plastic and divide them when there are a lot of them, so I am not changing the temperature of the seeds so often and causing condensation inside the bag. Besides, there is no reason for me to take all of the seeds out when I just need a few.