25 Aug Seed Saving

Seed saving is a fun, money saving venture that anyone can do. Saved seeds will produce a stronger, healthier plant. And best of all, the fruit it produces will be better quality. You can grow your favorite varieties while preserving heirlooms for future generations.

Seed Saving Tips

Be picky

Only save seeds from the healthiest, most vigorous plants. Save seeds from your best performing plants and those that are resistant to disease and insect damage. Choosing to save seeds from diseased plants will only continue the cycle. Pathogens from these plants will continue to destroy your garden in the years to come. It is best to burn or trash all diseased plants so that your healthy plants can continue to thrive.

To avoid spreading diseases, always rotate your crops from one year to the next. Avoid watering leaves and don’t touch wet plants. Use fresh, clean soil and sterilize tools and containers.

Chose open pollinated plants, not hybrid

Open pollinated plants are those that are pollinated naturally. These plants are pollinated by birds, insects or the wind. Seeds from open pollinated plants will continue to produce stronger plants year after year. Those from hybrid pollinated plants will produce smaller, less vigorous plants with less yield.

Tomatoes, peas, beans and peppers are a few of the easiest plants to save seeds from. Again, be sure they aren’t hybrids. More information on saving vegetable seeds can be found here.

Storage

Store seeds in paper packets and keep in a tightly sealed glass container, such as a mason jar. It’s ok to store different seeds in the same glass container. Just be sure they are in individual packets. Don’t forget to label your packets with plant varieties. A small amount of silica in the jar will absorb moisture and keep your seeds dry. It is best to store seeds in temperatures of 32-41 degrees so the refrigerator is ideal. Use within one year for best germination.