I think it also makes a difference how much is going to be obvious during normal times, because it’s going to be hard to pretend otherwise when things happen.
Anybody who has ever talked to me for probably already knows about my seed-collecting obsession. It’s too big a part of my personality to hide it. But they don’t need to know that the bug and rodent repellents mixed with my bean seeds are perfectly edible. Or that a lot of my squash seeds are still inside the squash, because I chose such long-storing varieties.
Also, some preppers haven’t thought of the benefits and security gains of networking, lending a helping hand, being known as someone who will come over with maybe a bag of beans and some useful advice on open-fire cooking, or with some seeds and advice on how to get them started.
I have a lot of hard liquor in my survival stock that I don’t use, while it is good for trading, taking a little over to a house to have a little drink and comforting talk, (especially for the neighbors who miss booze more than they thought they would) and doing some schmoozing, is a way to gather intelligence information and to build the eyes and ears of allies.
Composed people who know things such as what seeds are and how to use them, will be liked and appreciated when people are stressed and ignorant about basic life, and the bigger your friendly bubble, the better your personal security.