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A big step toward self-sufficiency is knowing how to collect and store seeds from your garden. On today’s podcast episode, I discuss all the basics of seed saving and all the reasons you may want to start doing it.

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Today, we’re diving into one of the most valuable skills a homesteader can learn—saving seeds for self-sufficiency. Whether you’re growing a few vegetables in your backyard or running a full-blown homestead, knowing how to save seeds ensures you’re prepared for whatever life throws your way.

Why Should You Save Seeds?

There are so many great reasons to start saving seeds. Here are just a few to get you thinking:

• Save Money: While seeds aren’t super expensive, they do cost money, and if you’re growing a big garden, those costs add up. Saving seeds from your best crops helps cut down on costs in the long run.
• Best Garden Ever: When you save seeds from plants that thrived in your garden, you’re setting yourself up for even better results next year! Each season, your crops become more suited to your soil and growing conditions.
• Preparedness: Having a stockpile of seeds is like having a safety net. Whether there’s an issue with supply chains or just a bad year for seed companies, you’ll have what you need to keep growing.
• Pass It Down: By saving seeds, you can pass down successful crops to future generations. It’s a way to keep family gardening traditions alive and thriving.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Before jumping in, let’s talk about the types of seeds you can save:

• Heirloom Seeds: These are open-pollinated, meaning they will grow true to type every year. If you plant a tomato from heirloom seeds, you’ll get the same type of tomato next year. Perfect for seed saving!
• Hybrid Seeds: Hybrids are a cross between two varieties, and the seeds from hybrid plants won’t grow the same as the parent plant. While hybrids can be great for disease resistance, they’re not ideal for seed saving.
• GMO Seeds: Avoid these if you’re looking to save seeds. They’re often patented and not designed for seed saving.

For more information about the differences check out this article and podcast: What’s The Difference Between Heirloom, Hybrid and GMO Seeds 

Three Easy Plants to Start With

If you’re just getting started, here are three plants that are super easy to save seeds from:

1. Beans

To save bean seeds, just let the pods dry on the plant until they turn brown and crisp. Once they’re completely dry, crack open the pods and remove the seeds. Be sure to let them dry completely before storing. A good test is to hit a seed with a hammer—if it shatters, it’s dry enough!

2. Lettuce

Lettuce plants will “bolt,” or shoot up tall stalks, and produce tiny pods with seeds. Once the pods start to dry, you can harvest them. Each pod will have a bunch of tiny seeds inside. Like with beans, be sure to let the seeds dry completely before storing them.

3. Tomatoes

Saving tomato seeds is a bit more involved, but still pretty easy. Scoop out the seeds and the gooey stuff around them into a cup. Fill the cup halfway with water and let it sit for a couple of days. A layer of mold will form on top—don’t worry, this is normal! After a few days, pour off the moldy layer and any seeds that float. The good seeds will sink to the bottom. Dry them on a coffee filter, and you’re good to go!

Storing Your Seeds

Once you’ve collected and dried your seeds, you need to store them properly to make sure they stay viable. Here are some tips:

• Cool, Dry, and Dark: The enemies of seeds are moisture, heat, and light. Keep your seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place.
• Freezing Seeds: If you want to store your seeds for the long term, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely dry before freezing, or they will be ruined.
• Containers: Mason jars, baby food jars, or even small envelopes work great for storing seeds. Just make sure they’re labeled with the plant type and the date.

Final Thoughts

Seed saving is one of those homesteading skills that’s both practical and rewarding. It saves money, ensures you have the best plants for your garden, and gives you a little peace of mind knowing you can grow food even in tough times. Start small with beans, lettuce, or tomatoes, and work your way up from there!

So, why not give seed saving a try? It’s a skill that will serve you well for years to come. Happy homesteading! 🌱

Resources For Seed Saving

• Website: Seed Savers Exchange
• Book: Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners, 2nd Edition by Suzanne Ashworth
• Book: The Complete Guide to Saving Seeds: 322 Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, Flowers, Trees, and Shrubs by Robert E. Gough

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