200 years ago a limited quantity and variety of seeds were available. Few stores sold seeds in those days, so farmers and gardeners would either save their own seeds or exchange seeds with others.
Back then, just about everyone knew how to save seeds. Today, there is a resurgence in this forgotten art. Not only does seed saving save you money, if done properly, it can actually improve the yield of your garden.
By saving seeds from plants that have grown in your garden for 1 year, you will be making a selection from plants that did well in your garden and came to full fruition. It makes sense to sow again what has worked in the past. Many seed-savers often find that plants change and adapt to their gardens over time as well, through natural selection and cross breeding of stock.
Saving seeds can be economical (you might generate hundreds from just one plant) and will allow you to explore plant life cycles and their clever adaptations for housing and dispersing seeds. Understanding a few things about seeds and seed needs will improve your chances of being a successful seed saver, so here are a few basics...
How to Save Seeds Collect seeds in the height of afternoon sun, long after the dew has lifted.
Collect seeds from plants that seem especially healthy and not stressed from drought, disease, or other factors.
Seeds are either embedded in pulp or encased in dry pods or capsules. Try to harvest seeds on a sunny day, once the dew has evaporated, then remove all pulp and fiber from their surfaces.
With crops like lettuce or certain flowers that release their seeds gradually as they ripen, shake the plant every few days over a paper bag to collect the ripe seed.
Some seeds (tomatoes, for instance) are encased in a gelatinous sack that contains chemicals that inhibit seed germination. This is pure plant genius because it prevents the seeds from sprouting inside the fruit. In nature, as the fruit rots a natural fermentation destroys this gel. To imitate this natural process, scoop out the seeds and gel, then leave them in a jar for several days on a sunny windowsill, stirring occasionally. The good seed will sink to the bottom, then can be washed and dried.
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