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How Balcony Gardeners & Farmers Are Building Seed Banks To Keep India’s Biodiversity Alive

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26.06.2025

Have you ever thought about the tiny power held in a single seed? In today’s fast-paced, concrete-dominated world, seed banks are like time capsules — quiet guardians preserving nature’s diversity for future generations. Starting one at home isn’t just about gardening. Instead, it is about taking a personal stand for biodiversity and resilience. And the best part? It doesn’t take acres of soil, just some space, curiosity, and a touch of patience.

How to prepare your seed bank

Choose strong plants
Start with healthy, open-pollinated plants — best if they’re local or traditional varieties like okra, tomatoes, chillies, or marigolds.

Let seeds fully ripen
Wait for the fruit or pods to mature on the plant before harvesting. Seeds from unripe pods may not germinate well.

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Seed banks are like time capsules — quiet guardians preserving nature’s diversity for future generations

Clean and dry thoroughly
Remove any debris, rinse if needed, and dry seeds in the shade until they snap crisply. Proper drying is key to preventing mould.

Store smartly
Use paper envelopes for short-term storage or airtight glass jars for long-term storage. Label everything with the

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