How do you gather /save heirloom seeds for future planting? |
Basically, you allow the seeds to mature on the plant, then harvest them, dry them thoroughly and store them in a labeled, closed container in a dry spot with a steady cool temperature (a jar kept in the refrigerator works well). Some seeds however may require special care such as hand pollination to maintain their purity and some seeds, especially perennials, may require special treatment or special temperatures in order to germinate, so you might want to invest in a basic book about seed saving. One I like is Saving Seeds: The Gardener's Guide to Growing and Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds by Marc Rogers, ISBN 0-88266-634-7. |