On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Have A Conversation All About Why and How To Save and Store Seeds From Your Garden.

The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 157 – September 28, 2022

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The Joy of Seed Saving: Why and How You Should Start Today

When it comes to gardening, seed saving is a wonderful practice that not only helps save money but also brings a sense of accomplishment and sustainability. This blog post will take you through the “why” and the “how” of seed saving in a fun and simple way. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been gardening for years, learning how to save seeds will help you grow stronger plants year after year.

Why Should You Save Seeds?

Saving seeds isn’t just about reducing the cost of gardening, though that’s a huge benefit. It’s also about self-sufficiency, preserving heirloom plants, and passing down a tradition that connects generations. Let’s break down why you should consider saving seeds.

1. Self-Sufficiency

When you save seeds from your garden, you don’t have to rely on buying new seeds every season. You become more independent, growing next year’s garden from your own resources. And in uncertain times, having your own stash of seeds can be a game-changer.

2. Save Money

Seeds can add up in cost, especially if you like trying new varieties every year. By saving seeds from successful plants, you can spend less on seeds and still enjoy a lush, productive garden.

3. Preserve Heirloom Varieties

Heirloom plants are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down for generations. By saving seeds from heirloom plants, you’re helping preserve genetic diversity in our food supply. Heirloom seeds are especially great because they’re more likely to adapt to your local climate, becoming more resilient over time.

4. Pass Down Traditions

Seed saving can become a family tradition. Imagine passing down seeds that your grandparents once planted—it’s a wonderful connection to your family history and to the land itself.

How to Save Seeds: Easy Tips to Get Started

Now that you know why seed saving is a great idea, let’s dive into how to do it! Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might think. Start with plants that are easy to save seeds from, and work your way up to the trickier ones as you gain confidence.

1. Start with the Easy Ones

Some plants are super easy to save seeds from, and these are a great place to start. Beans, peas, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and pumpkins are all fantastic beginner plants.

• Beans and Peas: Just let the pods dry on the plant, then open them up and collect the seeds. Easy peasy!
• Tomatoes and Cucumbers: These seeds need a little more attention. Scoop the seeds out, place them in a jar of water, and let them ferment for a few days. The good seeds will sink, and the bad ones will float. Afterward, rinse and dry the seeds.
• Lettuce: Let the plant bolt (go to seed), and you’ll see fluffy seed heads form. Collect these seeds by shaking the plant over a bag or laying a cloth beneath it and shaking the seeds free.
• Pumpkins and Squash: Harvest the seeds from your pumpkin, rinse them well, and lay them out to dry for a few days.

2. Storing Seeds

Once you’ve gathered your seeds, it’s important to store them properly to make sure they stay viable for next season.

• Dry Them Completely: Before storing seeds, make sure they’re completely dry. Moisture is the enemy when it comes to seed storage. Place your seeds on a paper towel or screen to dry for several days.
• Label Everything: Always label your seed packets with the plant type and the date you collected them. You’ll thank yourself next year when you’re not guessing which seeds are which!
• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your seeds in small paper envelopes, glass jars, or even Mylar bags, adding a moisture absorber like silica gel if possible. Keep them in a cool, dark place—your basement or fridge is ideal.

3. Advanced Seed Saving

If you’ve mastered the basics and want to take your seed-saving skills to the next level, try saving seeds from biennial plants like carrots or onions. These plants don’t produce seeds until their second year, which means you’ll need a bit more patience. But the payoff is worth it when you can grow a crop from seeds you collected yourself!

Dealing with Cross-Pollination

One thing to keep in mind is cross-pollination, which can happen when plants of the same species (like two different kinds of squash) exchange pollen. This can result in seeds that don’t grow true to the parent plant. If you’re growing multiple varieties of the same plant, you may need to take steps to prevent cross-pollination, like hand-pollinating and covering the flowers.

Seed Saving as a Tradition

In addition to the practical benefits, seed saving is a way to connect with your garden on a deeper level. Many gardeners save seeds and pass them down through generations. You can start this tradition with your own family, saving seeds from plants that have meaning to you and sharing them with others. There are even seed swaps and communities where gardeners exchange seeds and tips.

Final Thoughts: Get Started Today!

Seed saving is a wonderful way to become more sustainable, save money, and preserve precious heirloom varieties. Start with the easy plants, and as you gain confidence, move on to more advanced seed-saving techniques. And remember, even if your seeds don’t turn out perfectly every time, it’s all part of the learning process.

Links:

• Rachel’s Homemade Ketchup Recipe – https://www.rewilderlife.com/2022/09/13/roasted-tomato-and-wild-sorrel-ketchup/ 
• Seed Savers Exchange – https://www.seedsavers.org/how-to-save-seeds 
• Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners – https://amzn.to/3RumrvK 
• Seed Envelopes – https://amzn.to/3xbeV0T 
• How Long Can Seeds Be Stored and How Should You Store Them? – https://redemptionpermaculture.com/how-long-can-seeds-be-stored-and-how-should-you-store-them/ 
• The Seed Garden: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving – https://amzn.to/3LN1KsU
• Food Safe Silica Packets – https://amzn.to/3fnCtJU
• Starting Seeds Indoors: Storey’s Country Wisdom Bulletin A-104 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin) – https://amzn.to/3reVnoV

Questions from The Homestead Front Porch Facebook Group:

• Peach trees – https://www.facebook.com/groups/HomesteadFrontPorch/posts/5315898295130618/ 
• Fencing —this one got a lot of responses already… – https://www.facebook.com/groups/HomesteadFrontPorch/posts/5313353635385084/ 
• Documenting the journey – https://www.facebook.com/groups/HomesteadFrontPorch/posts/5316161861770928 

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