What are your frugal and sustainable tips and tricks?

[igorsMistress]

Originally posted in the gardening thread, I thought I should copy this here as well because it deals with saving money on seed storage boxes...

I am thinking I need a better way to organize and store my seeds. Right now I just have them in a small 4X6 inch cardboard box...

All my current seeds fit in that little box. However, I am starting to save seeds from plants we are growing. So, I can imagine needing more room for the seeds. Also, I have been reading and watching that it would be better to keep them dark and airtight if possible. Another consideration is making the seed box mouse proof. Last year Dear Wife saved some seeds, left them on a plate to dry out, and one night a mouse must have found them and ate them all. She was devastated. So any storage system will have to be mouse proof as well.

I looked on Amazon and their "Seed Boxes" are pretty darned expensive. I mean, some of them are nothing more than a metal can with "Seeds" painted on it...

Well, heck, I know that Harbor Freight has waterproof and airtight ammo boxes on sale all the time. I found this 11.6 X 4.25 X 6 inch ammo box on sale this month for $3.99...

That's the smallest ammo box they have at the store. They have larger sizes, too. But this small ammo box would be double what I currently have for storage.

My goal is to stop buying new seeds every year. If possible, I will save seeds from our plants when we can, but I would also like to buy seed packs at the end of the season at great discounts and save them for the next year.

I also checked YouTube to see if anyone was using these water resistant ammo boxes for seed storage and found this video short...

The small ammo box (with twice the capacity I am using right now) looks like it might be good enough for my current and immediate future needs. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated. I am open to all suggestions. Thanks.

That works. I’ve just been putting mine in a bag in the freezer.

 

[igorsMistress]

I have a butter bell but kitchen stays too warm most of the year and the butter ball slips out of the butter bell and plops into the water. It does make a nice soft and spreadable butter during winter and spring. This is what you are calling a butter bell, right?View attachment 3621656View attachment 3621657

Yes it is, I love the design on yours! I agree in summer it’s often a little too warm in the kitchen for it, but in general it has been successful. It makes easier for the little dude to make his own toast since it spreads so well.

 

[gtaus]

While I don’t have a perfect solution, I’ve had issues sealing my seeds in plastics boxes in the past. As I use them and put them back while planting they get wet and mold in airtight containers. It depends on how you use them and if you always use the whole bag and don’t get them damp outside.

Thanks for the tip. Keep those seeds dry.

I don’t heat it [used pickle juice], just put the eggs in and that works fine.

It worked fine for me, too. I just put the hard boiled eggs in the cold pickle juice and put them back in the fridge. I started eating them after day 1, and they were all gone on day 4. I only made 6 eggs, which turned out to a perfect batch for just Dear Wife and myself. The pickled eggs were much better tasting than I imagined. Also, I cut up some banana peppers and put them in the pickle jar as well. Again, those turned out very good. I am now looking for more ways to pickle stuff in leftover pickle juice.

That works. I’ve just been putting mine [seeds] in a bag in the freezer.

That can work, too. But there you increase the risk of getting the seeds damp as they thaw out when not in the freezer, and then you could end up with a problem. I watched a YouTube video on the notion of storing seeds in the freezer. The guy on the video stated that it is the best long term storage method, but if you are using the seeds, taking them in and out of the freezer is not good for them. He used to store his seeds in his freezer, but moved to storing them in dark, airtight, plastic containers and that system worked better for him. He also stated that some dry seeds in storage can last for decades. Most of us amateur gardeners will use up our seeds in a few years.

Thanks for all the fast replies. I plan on going into town today and visiting Harbor Freight to check out the small ammo box. My HF app says hurry because my local store has "limited quantities," which, unfortunately, is usually code for they are all sold out but we won't tell you until you come into the store to buy one.

Tips to save money when dealing with stores and store managers.

I'm in no big hurry as HF normally stocks that item all the time and it goes on sale like every other month. So, I can be frugal and wait for the next sale if I have to. Or, maybe I can get a raincheck on the sale item. Sometimes you can get a raincheck and other times you can't, depending on the fine print which may say "limited to quantities on hand." I always ask anyways a store manager because sometimes the store is more anxious to give out a raincheck for a potential sale in a few weeks than telling the customer "no" and having them buy the product somewhere else.

Sometimes you can get much better bargains if you attempt to get to know the local store manager and build up a little relationship with them. If I get a raincheck for an item, and then later return to the store and buy the product, I usually go out of my way to thank the store manager for helping me save some money. If they did not give me a raincheck, I'll also kindly mention to the store manager that I had wanted to purchase their product, but I was not able to get a rain check and ended up buying the product at Menards, or WalMart, etc... Of course, you need to work with the same managers so they remember you. Lots of times those store managers have more authority to mark down items and give out rainchecks then they like to tell you.

Early this summer I purchased a used Murray riding mower from out local Fleet Store. It had a brand new engine in it, but the customer never came back to pay the bill. I talked to the small engines department manager and got the mower for half the price of the bill. Unfortunately, because it had been sitting for a few months, it was not ready for use when I went to pick it up - the blades would not engage. So, it had to go back into the shop before I even got it home. Anyways, I talked to the manager and told her that the mower was not ready for pickup, that the blades would not engage, but that the guys were back in the shop and fixing it. Turned out to be a simple fix and I had the mower on the trailer and ready to take home in like 20 minutes.

Off to a rocky start, I asked the manager if I got it home and discovered other issues if they would fix it. She said they would. Well, I got it home and discovered that the brakes were not set properly, and the mower would free wheel down a slope with no way to stop it. So, back to the shop, talked to the manager again, and problem fixed. Easy fix, but should have been adjusted at the shop before sale.

After a couple months of running just great at home, I stopped into the store and told the manager how much I liked my "new" used mower, how the guys had fixed everything for me, and that I really appreciated how she had helped me with the rocky start on this mower. Well, she was smiling from ear to ear. Probably the only compliment she got that week. You can tell.

Being a manager can be difficult because usually you only get to hear about the problems. It's important to follow up with good news when you can to build a better long-term relationship with the store manager. Goodwill goes a long way, I find, and can mean better service and saving you money.

 

[CedarLane]

That works. I’ve just been putting mine in a bag in the freezer.

This is what I usually do--Quite often in an ice cream bucket rather than a bag.

Thanks for the tip. Keep those seeds dry.

That can work, too. But there you increase the risk of getting the seeds damp as they thaw out when not in the freezer, and then you could end up with a problem. I watched a YouTube video on the notion of storing seeds in the freezer. The guy on the video stated that it is the best long term storage method, but if you are using the seeds, taking them in and out of the freezer is not good for them. He used to store his seeds in his freezer, but moved to storing them in dark, airtight, plastic containers and that system worked better for him. He also stated that some dry seeds in storage can last for decades. Most of us amateur gardeners will use up our seeds in a few years.

I've never had a problem with this. But that doesn't mean I won't have a problem sometimes. Quite often, I'm not as careful as I should be. I've pulled them out when we start are 1st plantings (early spring cool items) and kept them out until the garden is finished being planted in July. I need to do better with this, but so far I've never had a problem.

 

[igorsMistress]

Thanks for the tip. Keep those seeds dry.



It worked fine for me, too. I just put the hard boiled eggs in the cold pickle juice and put them back in the fridge. I started eating them after day 1, and they were all gone on day 4. I only made 6 eggs, which turned out to a perfect batch for just Dear Wife and myself. The pickled eggs were much better tasting than I imagined. Also, I cut up some banana peppers and put them in the pickle jar as well. Again, those turned out very good. I am now looking for more ways to pickle stuff in leftover pickle juice.



That can work, too. But there you increase the risk of getting the seeds damp as they thaw out when not in the freezer, and then you could end up with a problem. I watched a YouTube video on the notion of storing seeds in the freezer. The guy on the video stated that it is the best long term storage method, but if you are using the seeds, taking them in and out of the freezer is not good for them. He used to store his seeds in his freezer, but moved to storing them in dark, airtight, plastic containers and that system worked better for him. He also stated that some dry seeds in storage can last for decades. Most of us amateur gardeners will use up our seeds in a few years.

Thanks for all the fast replies. I plan on going into town today and visiting Harbor Freight to check out the small ammo box. My HF app says hurry because my local store has "limited quantities," which, unfortunately, is usually code for they are all sold out but we won't tell you until you come into the store to buy one.

Tips to save money when dealing with stores and store managers.

I'm in no big hurry as HF normally stocks that item all the time and it goes on sale like every other month. So, I can be frugal and wait for the next sale if I have to. Or, maybe I can get a raincheck on the sale item. Sometimes you can get a raincheck and other times you can't, depending on the fine print which may say "limited to quantities on hand." I always ask anyways a store manager because sometimes the store is more anxious to give out a raincheck for a potential sale in a few weeks than telling the customer "no" and having them buy the product somewhere else.

Sometimes you can get much better bargains if you attempt to get to know the local store manager and build up a little relationship with them. If I get a raincheck for an item, and then later return to the store and buy the product, I usually go out of my way to thank the store manager for helping me save some money. If they did not give me a raincheck, I'll also kindly mention to the store manager that I had wanted to purchase their product, but I was not able to get a rain check and ended up buying the product at Menards, or WalMart, etc... Of course, you need to work with the same managers so they remember you. Lots of times those store managers have more authority to mark down items and give out rainchecks then they like to tell you.

Early this summer I purchased a used Murray riding mower from out local Fleet Store. It had a brand new engine in it, but the customer never came back to pay the bill. I talked to the small engines department manager and got the mower for half the price of the bill. Unfortunately, because it had been sitting for a few months, it was not ready for use when I went to pick it up - the blades would not engage. So, it had to go back into the shop before I even got it home. Anyways, I talked to the manager and told her that the mower was not ready for pickup, that the blades would not engage, but that the guys were back in the shop and fixing it. Turned out to be a simple fix and I had the mower on the trailer and ready to take home in like 20 minutes.

Off to a rocky start, I asked the manager if I got it home and discovered other issues if they would fix it. She said they would. Well, I got it home and discovered that the brakes were not set properly, and the mower would free wheel down a slope with no way to stop it. So, back to the shop, talked to the manager again, and problem fixed. Easy fix, but should have been adjusted at the shop before sale.

After a couple months of running just great at home, I stopped into the store and told the manager how much I liked my "new" used mower, how the guys had fixed everything for me, and that I really appreciated how she had helped me with the rocky start on this mower. Well, she was smiling from ear to ear. Probably the only compliment she got that week. You can tell.

Being a manager can be difficult because usually you only get to hear about the problems. It's important to follow up with good news when you can to build a better long-term relationship with the store manager. Goodwill goes a long way, I find, and can mean better service and saving you money.

Good idea for the peppers, I bet those are delicious! Six eggs is about right for us too, only DH and I eat them.

I divide my seeds by type and season. If it’s things I plant just a few of then I divide the seeds into small baggies and put them back in the packet before freezing. This is great for lettuce because I can take out a little pack and use them up before they sit too long.

 

[Sally PB]

I stopped into the store and told the manager how much I liked my "new" used mower, how the guys had fixed everything for me, and that I really appreciated how she had helped me with the rocky start on this mower. Well, she was smiling from ear to ear. Probably the only compliment she got that week. You can tell.

You made her day. I often went out of my way for customers who took the time to show appreciation.

I divide my seeds by type and season. If it’s things I plant just a few of then I divide the seeds into small baggies and put them back in the packet before freezing. This is great for lettuce because I can take out a little pack and use them up before they sit too long.

If you store seeds in the freezer, putting them in individual bags is a great idea. Take the bag out of the freezer, and let it come to room temperature before opening. Once it's at room temp, condensation won't form on it.

This is a trick photographers use with their equipment. Out in the cold with the camera, then about to head into the warm, moist indoors. Put the camera in a sealable bag, take it inside, and let it come to room temp before opening the bag. No condensation forms on the camera, it's all on the outside of the bag.

 

[igorsMistress]

You made her day. I often went out of my way for customers who took the time to show appreciation.

If you store seeds in the freezer, putting them in individual bags is a great idea. Take the bag out of the freezer, and let it come to room temperature before opening. Once it's at room temp, condensation won't form on it.

This is a trick photographers use with their equipment. Out in the cold with the camera, then about to head into the warm, moist indoors. Put the camera in a sealable bag, take it inside, and let it come to room temp before opening the bag. No condensation forms on the camera, it's all on the outside of the bag.

Yes this has been my experience. I just take them out the night before and leave on the counter.

 

[CedarLane]

You made her day. I often went out of my way for customers who took the time to show appreciation.

If you store seeds in the freezer, putting them in individual bags is a great idea. Take the bag out of the freezer, and let it come to room temperature before opening. Once it's at room temp, condensation won't form on it.

This is a trick photographers use with their equipment. Out in the cold with the camera, then about to head into the warm, moist indoors. Put the camera in a sealable bag, take it inside, and let it come to room temp before opening the bag. No condensation forms on the camera, it's all on the outside of the bag.

Think it's time to reorganize my seeds and put each kind in separate bags. I like this idea.

 

[gtaus]

I've never had a problem with this [seeds getting damp and then damaged when put back in the freezer]. But that doesn't mean I won't have a problem sometimes.

The YouTube video I watched talked about how you can take your seeds out of the freezer, then the plastic bags can get condensation and damp on them. If you put them back in the freezer right away, before the condensation dries, you could damage the seeds. If you leave seeds in a damp bag outside, you could trigger them to sprout. I think the point was that you have to watch out for condensation on the plastic bags and make sure you keep those seeds dry.

 

[gtaus]

Good idea for the peppers, I bet those are delicious! Six eggs is about right for us too, only DH and I eat them.

I attended a monthly Senior Citizen's Cooking class this afternoon. I asked our cooking instructors about how long those pickled eggs can last in the fridge with used pickled juice. They both said it is best to eat them in a week or less. So, 6 eggs was about the perfect batch size for me and Dear Wife.

My instructors also suggested using juice from pickled beets in the same manner. Then the pickles come out with a nice reddish color. I love pickled beets with hotdish, so now I will save the juice and make a batch of egg with it.

Save your canned vegetable and fruit juices.

My cooking instructors are always telling us to save the juice from canned vegetables and fruits. You paid for it, so don't dump it down the drain!

The vegetable juices can be frozen in a container and then used as stock for when you make soups or stews. I did that when I made a soup. Boy, the soup had so much more flavor with the frozen vegetable juices then just adding water!

We typically drain our fruit juices into a glass, put it in the refrigerator to cool, then drink it later. My favorite is pineapple juice.

And now, I'm also reusing my pickle juice from cans and jars and making a batch of pickled eggs and peppers, or whatever else I put into the jar.

Little things like that save money and add more life to your cooking, pickling, etc... It's a win-win for you.