What’s your process for saving seeds from flowers, herbs, or vegetables?
To save seeds from your garden, start by choosing healthy, mature plants that have produced well. For flowers, let the blooms dry on the plant until they turn brown, then collect the seeds from the pods or heads. For herbs like basil or cilantro, allow the flowers to go to seed and collect them once they are dry and brown. For vegetables, choose open-pollinated varieties and ensure they are fully ripe before harvesting the seeds. Clean the seeds to remove any pulp or debris, and store them in a cool, dry place in labeled envelopes or jars for next season.
When saving seeds, it’s also important to consider cross-pollination, especially with crops like tomatoes or cucumbers. To ensure you get true-to-type seeds, isolate different varieties by planting them far apart or using row covers to prevent unwanted pollination. For beans and peas, let them dry fully on the plant, as moisture can lead to mold during storage. Additionally, for best germination rates, test a few seeds before planting next season to ensure they still have good viability. Happy gardening!
When saving seeds, it’s also beneficial to note the specific maturity times for each plant to ensure you’re harvesting at the right moment. For instance, squash seeds should be harvested when the fruit is fully matured and has started to harden. After collecting, rinse the seeds well and let them dry completely to prevent mold. For certain plants like peppers, you can save seeds right from the fruit when it’s fully ripe. Remember to label your seeds with the variety and date collected to keep track of what you have and how long they’ve been stored. Happy seed saving!