Amid surging gardening interest, seed shortages are a growing concern. But gardeners can take control by saving their own seeds. Whether it’s tomatoes, peppers, or lettuce, this age-old practice ensures a sustainable supply of your favorite varieties while cutting costs.
What Seeds to Save?
Heirloom Seeds: True-to-type seeds that will grow identical plants.
Hybrid Seeds: Risky and unpredictable, best avoided for saving.
Easiest Seeds to Save
Tomatoes & Peppers: Self-pollinating and simple to process. Scoop, rinse, and dry for future planting.
Lettuce: Let plants bolt and collect seeds as flowers dry.
Beans & Peas: Allow pods to fully mature and dry before harvesting seeds.
Avoid Cross-Pollination
Plants like squash or cucumbers require hand-pollination and protective bags to prevent cross-pollination.
Ensure purity by isolating seed plants or controlling pollination manually.
Tips for Storage
Dry seeds thoroughly.
Store in sealed bags in a cool, dry location for optimal preservation.
Why Save Seeds?
Cost-effective and sustainable.
Guarantees the varieties you love.
Adds a fun and educational element to gardening.
Take charge of your garden’s future and become part of a movement toward self-sufficiency and sustainability. Start saving seeds today!
Ref: https://apnews.com/article/c6d43d955218ce023c6e0cb908014b23