Don't Throw Away Prescription Bottles: Use Them To Keep Your Seeds Organized

Since prescription pill bottles generally can't be put in the recycling bin, you might find yourself with a growing collection of unused containers. Lots of people turn empty prescription bottles into mini organizers to store small odd and ends, but what if these common containers could help with your home gardening practice? Just like how these resealable bottles can work as storage, they can be used to keep your garden seeds safe until next season. Instead of spending money on seed organizers or boxes, prescription bottles are a free and convenient alternative.

For folks who love to harvest seeds from their garden, finding an efficient way to stash the next generation of your plants isn't always easy. In order for seeds to last in storage, they need to be kept dry and cool. Typical paper storage packets can easily get wet and ruined. Because prescription bottles have an air tight seal, these common containers can protect the seeds from humidity or moisture, helping to keep them from going bad in storage.

These cylindrical orange containers can easily be relabeled to show what kind of seeds are inside. Plus, multiple prescription bottles can be kept in a box to make a DIY seed organizer. Whether you want to ensure your delicious tomatoes can be regrown next season or you hope to preserve your favorite flowers, this clever way to reuse prescription bottles will keep your seeds neat and safe until you're ready to plant.

For each type of seed you want to save, you'll need a separate prescription bottle. Check that there's no medication residue inside the bottle, or wash and dry the plastic containers first. To give your seed storage containers a cleaner look, peel off the prescription labels. Before adding your seeds to your DIY organizers, it's crucial to ensure that they aren't still damp. The container must be totally dry as well, or mold could grow on your seeds.

Simply dump the seeds into the upcycled storage and replace the lid, ensuring that it's closed tightly. Not only will the sealed medicine bottle keep moisture out, but it should also help to protect the seeds from pests, too. Wrap a piece of tape around each bottle to create its label, marking the type of seeds inside and the date that they were harvested. Alternatively, press a sticker label onto the container. You could also use a permanent marker to write directly on the plastic for an easy and quick solution. If you don't have enough prescription bottles, consider repurposing over-the-counter medication bottles or even old pill boxes for seed storage as well.

Set your labeled seed storage containers in a spot that's cool, dark, and dry, such as a pantry or basement. Place the bottles directly on a shelf or repurpose an old photo box or small storage bin to create a seed organizer. When you're ready to germinate the seeds, this paper towel hack can ensure a fuller, more vibrant garden this spring.