| I Planted marigolds and zinnias in my garden this year . I want to save some seeds from them for next year. How do I do that? Also I have two rose bushes. Do I need to head them when bloom begins to die? If so how do I do that and when? Thank you so much! |
| You can easily save seeds to plant next year. It's best to wait until late summer to begin seed collecting. If spent flowers are not removed from plants regularly, they won't produce as many blooms throughout the growing season. Keep dead flowers removed from your plants until late summer, then allow them to dry on the plant. When they are completely dry, cut them from the plant and, holding over a bowl, gently twirl the base of the flower between your thumb and index finger, with enough pressure to make the seeds drop out. Allow to dry thoroughly, then place in plastic bags or a jar, seal, and store in a cool, dark location. Heat, light and humdity are enemies of seeds. In the spring, scatter the seeds in your garden and you'll have lots of new plants. To keep your rose bushes blooming, cut away the spent flowers, along with some of the stem. New flowering shoots will develop, extending the bloom time of your shrubs. |
