Want to grow your favorite annuals, perennials, and veggies again next growing season?
Here’s how to collect their seeds.
That way, you’re able to easily grow the same varieties in your garden again.
Credit: David Speer
Plus you’ll often end up with plenty toshare with friends and family.
If you save seeds from hybrids, they likely won’t grow into the exact same plants next year.
Start them in a protected spot in loose,well-drained soil.
Credit: Julie Maris Semarco
Water them well after planting, andgive them a light covering of mulch.
They’ll wait out the winter and sprout in spring.
Harvest them after the flowers bloom, and follow the same instructions above for saving perennial seeds.
Credit: Scott Little
Store shelled seeds in an airtight container until you are ready to plant.
While you’re harvestingcucumbers to use in your kitchen, set aside a few specifically for harvesting seeds.
Remove the pulp with seeds and place them in a container.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Let the mixture ferment for two to four days at room temperature, making sure to stir occasionally.
After a couple of days, the dead seeds will float to the top.
When the good seeds sink to the bottom, pour out the pulp.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Rinse seeds off with water and place them on waxed paper.
Leave to dry for a week.
Store dry seeds in an airtight container until ready to plant.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
And much like beans, remove pods and allow them to dry for two weeks before shelling.
Then store the shelled seeds in an airtight container until ready to plant.
Then, place dry seeds in an airtight container until ready to plant.
Credit: Scott Little
How to Save Tomato Seeds
stash your tomato seeds when the fruit is ripe.
Place the pulp with seeds in a container and add water to cover.
Let the pulp ferment for two to four days at room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Credit: Andy Lyons
After a couple of days, the dead seeds will float to the top.
When the good seeds sink to the bottom, pour out the pulp.
Rinse seeds with water and place them on waxed paper.
Leave to dry for a week, then store in an airtight container until ready to plant.
How to Save Watermelon and Melon Seeds
Harvest seeds when the fruit is ripe.
When you remove seeds from the fruit, rinse them in a strainer to remove all pulp.
Then, spread the seeds on waxed paper and dry for about a week.
Turn them once a day until they become completely dry.
Place dry seeds in an airtight container until ready to plant.
