As summer presses on and we gardeners (hopefully) are enjoying our bountiful harvests, it is time for us to begin considering next year’s garden. While considering what to plant and where to plant are certainly pertinent to the planning process, one major consideration for next year’s proper harvest is in saving your seeds.

There are different methods for saving your seeds, and each method will require time and energy for the best outcome. In order to help guide you, we’ve put together a few tips for saving your seeds.

Before we begin, you must remember – a see’s worst nightmare is moisture and heat! If you’re going to save your seeds properly, you must provide them with the optimal environment: cool & dry. 

Consider What Type of Seeds You’re Saving

Wet Seeds

These are seeds that come from fruit.

These are typically squash, zucchini, watermelon, pumpkin, cucumber, cantaloupe, tomato, and eggplant.

• Wait until the fruit is completely mature.
• Harvest the mature fruit.
• Cut open the fruit and scoop out the seeds.
• Rinse the flesh from the seeds in a colander. Be sure to remove the flesh completely or the seeds risk molding.
• Lay the seeds out to dry on a paper towel or drying rack.
• Consider fermenting the seeds of tomatoes or cucumbers in order to reduce the risk of diseases.
  • To ferment tomato and cucumber seeds, scoop the seeds out of the fruit and place them in a jar of water.
  • Cover the jar with a cheesecloth.
  • Wait for 3 to 4 days until a white film forms on the top.
  • Add a bit more water after the 3-4 day time period and stir the jar gently.
  • The mature seeds will sink to the bottom.
  • Strain the mature seeds, rinse, and lay them out to completely dry.

Dry Seeds

These are seeds that mature in a dry pod or when exposed to the open air. For the best results, allow the seeds to continue maturing fully in the pod or flower head until completely developed. Once the seeds are dried out, detach them from the pod or flower head.

These are typically flowers, beans, and peas.

Thrashing

• Collect seeds/pods in a bucket or pail when completely dried.
• Thresh (or bang) the seeds against the wall of the bucket.
• The seeds will burst or fall from the pods and naturally separated from their coating.

Winnowing

• All you need is a bowl and some wind!
• Collect all your seeds in a bowl.
• With your breath, a fan, or a gentle wind, simply grab a handful of seeds

Don’t Forget!

• Let all your seeds dry completely.
• Store them in a jar with a silica packet, or paper envelope.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Properly label all your seeds.
• Don’t forget to date them!