SAVING YOUR OWN SEEDS Read information on collecting, drying, and storing seeds from your own flowers.
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Seed Saving- As a gardener one of my most favorite gardening tasks is collecting, drying, and saving seeds from my own flower garden all summer long. I would like to refer to this gardening task as a therapeutic hobby. Especially in Fall; for I find it relaxing and provides me hope with anticipation that another spring will soon be here and I know I'll be in the garden once again.
I personally keep seed saving simple. I collect seeds from favorite flowers for next year's gardens. I mostly choose annual and perennial plants that are known for keeping their characteristics each generation. If wanting plants that will breed true, collect seeds from single species that are growing away from other colors of that plant or plant species. This will minimize the chances of collecting a seed that may have been cross-pollinated. Sometimes I will collect seeds from plants or flowers for the element of surprise. If they grow when I plant them, I'm very pleased. If they don't; nothing is lost. I enjoy sharing seeds with friends and other gardeners. I have also found uses for seeds, dried flower petals, and leaves when doing nature crafts. Gardeners save seeds for different reasons. Collecting seeds from your flower gardens saves money and is the most economical way to produce many new plants for your gardens year after year. It also preserves a favourite plant that may not be available one day. This assures that you can keep planting that same plant for years to come. Many gardeners enjoy collecting seeds and giving their favourites as a gift to other gardeners. I have been pleased with the amount of seeds I have collected, and the many healthy, successful plants that grow from these seeds!
Keep it simple and enjoy the harvesting of seeds for future gardens.
Supplies for seed saving:
Small old window screen or sieve.
A variety of sizes of paper envelopes.
Ventilated cardboard box or container.
A selection of small containers for catching, collecting,
and drying seeds in.
Scrap pieces of white paper.
Old, washed out paint can with lid for rodent proof storage.
SAVING YOUR OWN SEEDS If you'd like to collect seeds from your flower gardens here is a basic method I use to save my seeds.
Step 1 Getting started: Throughout the growing season I allow flowers to go to seed; producing seed heads or seed pods. Than I let the seed heads dry out as much as possible while still on the plant. Weather permitting of course.
Step 2 Collecting seeds: Before the pods break open, are eaten by birds, or risk of frost and winter weather starts I will collect the dried seed pods from the plants on a dry sunny day. I carefully cut or break off the seed heads from the plants with a container in the other hand to catch any seeds or seed pods that may fall. If collecting seeds from many different plants at once; it is a good idea to collect them in separate envelopes or containers with a quick label for each to remind yourself what seed is from what plant!
Step 3 Drying seeds: After collecting the seeds I usually place them in a ventilated box or container to dry out completely. I keep the box outside in a warm and dry spot. So if drying outside try to keep them protected from wind, wet weather, and rodents. Some seeds will dry out faster than others. I always make sure that any seeds that I'm ready to store are completely dry. This prevents rotting and minimizes the possibility of mold.
Step 4 Preparing seeds for storage: When seeds are good and dry I shake the seeds and pods through a mini screen, or sieve. I give them a gentle "crush" onto the screen and gently shake this over a white piece of paper. The screen usually holds most of the seed pods, and chaffs allowing the seed to fall through onto the paper.
Step 5 Storing seeds: I simply use paper envelopes to store my seeds. Labeling is important. Label envelopes with the date and year collected as well as the name of the plant. It is a good idea to store envelopes in a cool dry area. I store my seed collection in the laundry room. I also store some seeds outside in the garden shed over winter. If storing seeds outside remember to place envelopes in a rodent proof container such as a metal can with lid. An old washed out paint can with lid works great.
The seed's success depends on how old it is, and it's storing conditions. That is not to say that my seeds have not been stored for more than one year. I have done so. I do try to plant seeds I have collected right from the previous year for best results in the garden. Although, I have had successful plantings with older seeds. If I become overloaded with seeds, I just give them away to friends.
To keep my seed supply fresh and plentiful, I always collect, dry and store new seeds every year.
This picture is from one summer's harvest of Marigold seeds.The original seed was given to me by my Father 5 years ago.
