Disclosed are methods of protecting seeds from oxidants and microorganisms prior to planting said seed, involving coating the seeds with an antioxidant effective amount and an antimicrobial effective amount of a composition containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of C7-18 gallates in an optional solvent and/or optional carrier prior to planting the seeds, and heating the seeds to a temperature of about 20° C. to about 70° C. for about 5 minutes to about 60 minutes prior to planting the seeds.