How long can grass be stored?

When you buy grass seed for your lawn, you are bound to have some leftovers once the job is done. While you might be tempted to use it up or just throw it away, it is possible to store grass seed for years until you need it again. While grass seed does deteriorate over time, usually at a rate of 10% per year, if you are careful to store your seed in the right conditions it should remain viable for five years beyond the purchase or even ten. Here are some methods you can employ to store grass seeds effectively.

How to Store Grass Seed

In order to keep your grass seed as fresh as possible for future use, keep the following in mind:

Keep your grass seed in a cool, dark place. High temperatures and exposure to light can cause it to deteriorate faster. Avoid storing your grass seed in an old shed and instead use an old fridge set to around 15C or an area in the home that will not rise above room temperature.
Keep your grass seed in a dry place. Humidity and moisture can harm the viability of your grass seed over time. If your storage area is prone to moisture, such as in a basement, place an open box of baking soda within the seed bag to absorb the moisture.
Try to keep your grass seed in its original packaging as these are often made from breathable material that prevents moisture from being trapped inside. If your grass seed needs to be stored in another bag use one made from a breathable material such as polypropylene. Avoid using plastic bin bags.
Store your grass seed in a place where rodents and other pests can’t get to them. Hungry mice and other vermin can destroy an entire bag of seed within a short period of time, so keep your bags off the floor and in a secure area.

How to Find Out if Your Grass Seed Remains Viable

While grass seeds will deteriorate over time, a well-kept bag of seeds can still germinate after a few years. Even grass seed that has been stored well for a decade will have a 20% chance of germinating. To test your grass seed to see if it is still usable, try the following:

Place a sample of your seed in a bucket of water and leave it for 15 minutes. If they sink, then they are still viable. If they float, then they are unlikely to be useful.
Before you begin planting, take your seed and arrange them in a row on a damp paper towel. Fold the towel and seal it in a zip-up plastic bag. Place the bag in a warm place away from sunlight. Check the seeds each day to see if they begin sprouting. Mist the towel with water to add moisture if necessary. Once sprouted your seeds are ready for planting.
Check that the grass seed you purchase has a green DEFRA label stitched into it. Also, make sure the grass seed has a visible bagging date.

Grass Seed Online

Here at Grass Seed Online, we supply a range of high-quality grass seed products as well as guides on how to get the most out of your lawn or garden. Take a look through our website to find out more or get in touch with us today.