What to do with soil and how to store seeds - Ask Extension
I have a tomato plant outside in a pot with potting soil. Since it is approaching winter, we wanted to clean the pot out and we don't know what to do ...
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What to do with soil and how to store seeds #922343
Asked November 24, 2025, 8:42 AM EST
I have a tomato plant outside in a pot with potting soil. Since it is approaching winter, we wanted to clean the pot out and we don't know what to do with the soil and plant. Should we just dump them in a forested area? Can they be re-used for the future?
We also have some dried tomato seeds and wanted to ask what's the best way to store them for planting next year.
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- the tomato plant can be put out on the curb in a paper bag, as with other yard waste, for pick-up by the trash collector contracted by your county. It can also be chopped up (decomposes faster) and tossed into a wooded area on your property.
The potting soil can be dumped into a container with a lid or into a heavy duty trash bag and stored outdoors for the winter. Potting soils are most organic matter and the particles become smaller over time which causes them to pack together, impeding water drainage. In spring, mix the old potting soil 50:50 with fresh potting soil or compost or a mixture of the two. Fertilize your container plants as all of the nutrients in this year's potting soil will have been used up or leached out.
Tomato seeds should be thoroughly dried before storing them in a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid (best if there is no, or minimal, light penetration. Keep seeds in a cool, dry location. They will remain viable for about 5 years. Seed saved from hybrid varieties will not come true next year. The plants will not be identical to this season's "mother" plant.
Web pages you may find useful:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/vegetables-home-garden/
Jon
The potting soil can be dumped into a container with a lid or into a heavy duty trash bag and stored outdoors for the winter. Potting soils are most organic matter and the particles become smaller over time which causes them to pack together, impeding water drainage. In spring, mix the old potting soil 50:50 with fresh potting soil or compost or a mixture of the two. Fertilize your container plants as all of the nutrients in this year's potting soil will have been used up or leached out.
Tomato seeds should be thoroughly dried before storing them in a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid (best if there is no, or minimal, light penetration. Keep seeds in a cool, dry location. They will remain viable for about 5 years. Seed saved from hybrid varieties will not come true next year. The plants will not be identical to this season's "mother" plant.
Web pages you may find useful:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/vegetables-home-garden/
Jon
