First thing's first: before you store your seeds, you have to make your seeds. Though it's hit or miss, you can throw caution to the wind and randomly scatter whatever you want. However, it's best to establish a seed garden to ensure organization and optimal output.

A seed garden consists of the same growth planted together, with each variety set apart from one another. This causes less risk of cross-pollination, which offers improved seed viability.

Once your seeds are cleaned and prepped, it's time for the drying process. You can simply spread them on a paper towel or newspaper for a week or two, depending on their size: the larger the seed, the longer it needs.

Alternate methods to speed up drying time include screening in the seeds and blowing a fan over them, or carefully using a food dehydrator. However, first-timers should probably stick to air-drying.

There's a good chance you already own some great storage container options. If not, you'll only need to spend a few bucks to ensure you have a safe and airtight home for your seeds. Envelopes, pill organizers, jars, tackle boxes, recycled water bottles, and food storage containers or bags are all easy ideas. The key to getting the most out of your seeds is to eliminate air, though.

Make sure to use items that will fit your seeds without leaving a lot of empty space. Doubling up on storage can't hurt, either. Placing a small paper bag of seeds into a mason jar, for example, adds another protective safeguard.

Not all seeds have the same staying power. Yes, sometimes you can get a seed to germinate ten years or more down the road, but you shouldn't count on this haphazard method. Know the general lifespans of your varieties and make sure you use them within that timeframe so you can gain the most crop for your effort.

Typically, seeds are divided into three categories:

• Short-lived last one or two years and include corn, parsley, and phlox.
• Sage, tomatoes, and snapdragons have an intermediate lifespan and can make it three or four years.
• Zinnias, watermelon, and lettuce are long-lived with the potential to hit six years.

As a rule of thumb, the more oil in a seed, the faster it will degrade.

From start to finish, you've put in a lot of hard work. When it's getting close to planting time, don't skimp on your follow-through. Take your seeds out from storage and set them out for several hours till they get to room temperature. Then open the containers to expose the seeds to air for a few days before planting.

While you're waiting for them to acclimate, it's nice to get an estimate for your potential yield. Take ten seeds from a given batch and neatly place them in a moist paper towel. Put the paper towel into a plastic bag and set it in a warm area. Wait the designated germination time, then open the bag to see how many have sprouted.