Essential tips for saving seeds from your garden harvest

If you want your garden to continue growing healthy, productive plants, seed saving might be worth the shot. Saving seeds from your best plants each season is beneficial, as careful seed selection can enhance quality, increase yields, and improve resistance to pests and diseases. Knowing how to save seeds is vital for your garden to continue producing healthy crops.

How to save seeds like a pro

Most seeds are collected right after the harvesting season, once the flowers of the crop have faded. Each plant has a specific stage at which its seeds should be harvested. There are several seed-saving techniques to learn, depending on the type of plant and seeds you have. After harvesting, the seeds will need proper cleaning and processing to remove any debris.

Winnowing

This is a traditional, typical technique used to separate seeds from any debris. It involves gently tossing the seeds into the air while allowing the wind to carry away light debris. The method is effective for seeds like beans, corn and grains. You can also pour seeds from one bucket to another to let the air blow out the debris.

Drying

It is crucial to make sure your seeds are completely dry before storing them. You just need to lay the seeds on a clean, dry surface for a few days to remove any remaining moisture. Using a paper plate is a good option because it absorbs extra moisture. You can add airflow with a fan to speed up the process, but it is not necessary. Proper drying prevents mould growth during storage.

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Fermentation

Seeds from fleshy fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, pumpkins, or squash, benefit from the fermentation process. To do this, scoop the seeds and surrounding pulp into a container, add water, and allow it to ferment for a few days. During fermentation, beneficial bacteria will break down the coating on the seeds. Skim off the floaters and gel on the top of the water. Then, rinse the remaining seeds thoroughly, removing all pulp and debris. Allow the seeds to dry completely before storing.

Seed saving can be fun and satisfying, allowing gardeners to preserve their favourite plant varieties. You can successfully save seeds using these few tips. All you need to do is understand the basics of seed saving and choose the right plants.

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