This document provides an introduction to seed saving and outlines the traditions, benefits, and basic processes involved. It discusses how seed saving has historically sustained communities by preserving heirloom seeds adapted to local environments. The document then describes some key aspects of seed saving such as plant pollination, choosing open-pollinated versus hybrid seeds, determining seed ripeness, and basic wet and dry processing techniques. It concludes by offering tips on seed storage and testing viability along with resources for obtaining heirloom seeds.
Seed Saving ~ New York Botanical Garden
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving ~ FoodShare
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Vetable Seed Saving ~ University of California
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving ~ sprg.info
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
How to Save Vegetable Seed ~ Cornell University
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving ~ New York Botanical Garden
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving ~ FoodShare
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Vetable Seed Saving ~ University of California
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving ~ sprg.info
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
How to Save Vegetable Seed ~ Cornell University
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving - Teacher Work Sheet
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Saving Seeds from Heirloom and Other Vegetables ~ Washington State Univ
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Saving Seeds ~ WSU
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving - Teacher Work Sheet
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Saving Seeds from Heirloom and Other Vegetables ~ Washington State Univ
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Saving Seeds ~ WSU
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving ~ terraperma
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Basic Seedsaving for Beginners ~ herbskoolmtl
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Vegetable Seed Saving ~ Stanislaus County, California
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Seed Saving for Beginners (Tomatoes, Peas, Beans, Lettuce)Seed Savers
Easy crops for beginning seed savers (tomatoes, peas, beans and lettuce), including plant pollination, isolation, seed harvest and processing. Video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngW0eOwkoIM
Collecting and Storing Seeds from Your Garden ~ hatch
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
In the midst of the toxic atmosphere of Watts, seeds are sprouting, organic gardens are thriving, young people are discovering a vocation, and healthy, whole foods are becoming part of everyday life.
Good Food Helps your Children Excel in SchoolSeeds
Good Food = Academic Success for your Children~
INCLUDES LINKS TO:
Over 120 books and web sites on Education, Children's Health and Academic Success, Organic Food Recipes, Organic Non-Sugar Sweeteners, School Lunches ~ Over 300 books on Organic Gardening and Heirloom Gardening ~ Over 200 books on Sustainable Technology and Alternative Housing ~ Over 30 books on Renewable Energy ~ Many Free PDF files on Rain Gardens, Roof Gardens, Aeroponic Gardening, Rainwater Harvesting, Waterwise Gardening, Green Eco Churches, Vegetable Oil Cars, Organic Gardening Guides, Ram Pumps, Companion Planting, Garden Therapy Manuals, Faith Healing
Edible Schoolyards = Academic Success & Gardening with ChildrenSeeds
Organic Edible Schoolyards = Academic Success + Healthy Students ~
INCLUDES LINKS TO:
Over 80 books and web sites dealing with Gardening with Children - Over 300 books on Organic Gardening - Over 200 books on Sustainable Technology - Over 50 books on Renewable Energy - Many Free PDF files on Rain Gardens, Roof Gardens, Aeroponic Gardening, Rainwater Harvesting, Waterwise Gardening, Green Eco Churches, Vegetable Oil Cars, Organic Gardening Guides, Ram Pumps, Companion Planting, 7 - Garden Therapy Manuals
Horseback Riding Therapy, Natural Horse Care, Natural Pet Food, Natural Pet CareSeeds
Horseback Riding Therapy, Natural Horse Care, Natural Pet Food, Natural Pet Care
- helping the Disabled, PTSD & the Elderly to Rehabilitation & Recovery
How to Create Map Views in the Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
The map views are useful for providing a geographical representation of data. They allow users to visualize and analyze the data in a more intuitive manner.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
2. Welcome to the tradition of seed saving!
Seed saving has always been a way of life for families, farmers and communities. Previous to
seed catalogs appearing in the 1700s, the only way society had seeds for their food was to save
them. The seeds were family, or community heirlooms handed down through generations. It’s
a long, and storied tradition that kept people fed, kept plant lines alive, and produced lines of
strong seeds with a strong and diverse gene pool adapted to local environments.
It’s a tradition that held has on, however a lot of plant lines have vanished. Through the work
of some dedicated individuals and organizations, we have some really great heirlooms left.
This seed library is here to inspire and encourage you to become part of this tradition. It’s not
hard, and there are advantages to doing it, such as ensuring your favorites are in your garden
every year, saving strong seeds that adapt to the local growing environment, which makes for
stronger plants and better yields, and most importantly, keeping seed lines from vanishing
forever. If no one ever saved seeds, how would plants grow?
The information in this booklet is an introduction to this wonderful tradition that’s sustained
generations over many centuries. It’s meant to inspire you to be a part of the heirloom legacy
that nature intended. As the tag line for the Library Seed Bank, the organization responsible
for this booklet suggests, seeds and knowledge, nourishment for your soul.
Overview
This booklet is geared toward the backyard, patio, and community gardener, or even farmer
who wants to save their seeds. It’s a guide to the terms and processes that are involved with
seed saving. There are many resources available if you want to take the basics presented
here and take it further. Seed to Seed: Seed Saving Techniques for the Vegetable Gardener by Susan
Ashworth is a excellent resource. Without further ado, let’s get started!
a
2
3. Where to start
A good place to start is with a garden plan. If you want to
save seeds, some planning ahead helps. For example, know
how your plants pollinate. Do they self-pollinate (selfers), or
are they pollinated by pollinators and or the wind? It’s also
important to know what your neighbor is planting to keep
possible cross-pollination to a minimum. Do you know what
kind of seed you’re planting, and why this is important? Are
they an open pollinated seed or hybrid seed?
Certain plants produce seeds in their second year known as biennials. These include cabbages,
beets, carrots, cauliflowers, onions, and turnips. To save seeds from these plants
they have to be dug up with the root, stored in a root cellar, and replanted the following
spring. As you progress on your seed saving journey, this may become an option. This guide
will walk through the questions, and provide the answers to help you plan.
Pollination
Pollination is how the flowers get fertilized so they can produce the
fruit or vegetable, and eventually produce the seeds that you will save.
There are two methods, self pollination (selfers) and insect and or wind
pollination. Knowing how the plants in your garden pollinate, and
what your neighbor grows will help you when you plan your garden,
and reduce as much as possible, cross pollination. After all this is
nature, and in the end, anything is possible. That’s the beauty of it.
The selfers (tomatoes, peas, eggplants, beans), take care of pollination on their own, and
generally they don’t cross pollinate. It can happen, but it is rare. The selfers are a good place
to start with seed saving. The plants that are pollinated by insects and or the wind
(cucumbers, peppers, melons, and squashes), they run the risk of cross pollination. This
is why it’s important to know what your neighbor is growing. They need to be isolated
by distance, or staggered growing time. To avoid this when you start out, grow just one
variety of each.
a
3
4. Seeds, open pollinated versus hybrid
Heirloom seeds fall into this category, along with new varieties that are
bred to have the characteristics of heirloom plants.. The open pollinated
plant line is stabilized with any irregularity grown out, and the genes of
these plants are diverse from collecting them over a number of years. A
diverse gene pool protects crops from failure due to gene standardization
in hybrids. Open pollinated seeds are the seeds to save.
You can’t save hybrid seeds. Hybrids are plants that are crossed by two plants of the same
variety to produce standardizations of characteristics, or disease resistance. The seeds that
these plants produce could revert back to one of the parents. The Seed Library stocks only
open pollinated seeds, and request that any seeds that are returned be the same, or if you
wish to donate seeds, that they be open pollinated.
A word about heirloom seeds and plants
From the handout
Heirloom Seeds and Plants at Strawberry Banke Museum
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Heirloom seeds hold both historic and genetic significance. They
connect us to the past and those who collected them through
antiquity. Heirloom seeds came of a time before hybridization.
They are seeds, which have developed through a process of natural
selection and thus reflect the needs and ideals of the generations
that gathered and preserved them. Because these seeds are
open pollinated, they can still be gathered and saved by home
gardeners. This enables the gardener to save seeds from the earliest,most productive or
flavorful produce, the sweetest flower, or the plant best adapted to the soil and climate of a
particular region.
a
4
5. Seed ripe, not eating ripe
There is a difference. The plant knows this, and to be successful at saving seeds, it’s always
best to follow the plant’s lead. Here is a breakdown of the when fruits and vegetables are
seed ripe. This list is from the Farmer’s Almanac, Summer 2002;
w Pepper seeds are ripe when peppers are at their full color—depending on variety, this
could be red, orange, yellow, purple, or black—and start to shrivel.
w Tomato seeds are ripe when tomatoes are firm but tender. If you press them, they have
some give, unlike the hard feel of green ones. Like peppers, they will also have reached
their full color.
w Cucumber seeds are ripe when the cuke turns fully yellow—overripe for eating. Harvest
it and put it in a safe place for another 20 days.
w Winter squash seeds are ripe when the skin turns hard.
w Summer squash seeds are ripe when the squash is past the edible point, with a hard
rind. Then treat the same as winter squashes.
w Watermelon seeds are ripe when the tendril directly opposite the stem turns from
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green to brown and becomes dry.
w Cantaloupe and muskmelon seeds are ripe when the stem turns brown and dries, and
the melon readily separates from it.
w Peas and beans are ready when the pods turn brown on the vine and shrink against
the seeds.
6. Wet Process
A fermentation process is needed for removing seeds from tomatoes and cucumbers to release
them from the gel they are encased in. It does not ferment the seed.
w Remove the seeds and place in a jar or a glass. Fill with water, cover container and leave in a
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warm area for three days. Stir once a day.
w After three days, if any fungus formed at the top, remove it. Let the mixture settle, and
remove any floating seeds. The seeds at the bottom are what you want.
.w Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer. Rinse the seeds thoroughly and set them out
to dry. Keep them out of the sun.
w A tray, screen or plate works, so do paper towels where seeds will dry onto the paper towel.
Once dry, remove the seeds and store. Or, store the dried paper towel.
w For squashes, remove the seeds, rinse off any stringy material, and let dry.
w For watermelons, cantaloupes and muskmelons, remove the seeds from the flesh, wash off
any residue. Place the seeds in water, and the good seeds will sink to the bottom. Discard any
seeds that float on the top.
Dry Process
This technique is for vegetables whose seeds are held inside pods, husks, or any other dry casing
like peas, beans, and carrots. Do this in dry weather as the seeds mature. Never harvest wet
seed pods or seed heads to prevent mold from forming.
w Let the seeds pods dry on the plant and remove as they dry. To verify if the bean or seed is
dry, squeeze it. If it feels mushy or spongy, let it dry until it’s hard.
w Secure a paper bag, or nylon stocking with a rubber band, twist tie or twine over seed heads
and pods on plants that dry from the bottom up like lettuce, onions, cabbages, radishes and
Chinese greens. If left alone without a something to catch the seeds, the seed heads will
open after they dry to reseed the area where they grew/ The nylon stocking allows you to
see inside. Remove the seeds from the seed heads, pods or casing, and dispose of the chaff
and plant material. Please note, if you’re going to do the bag method, keep an eye on the
weather. If rain is forecast, remove the bag before the rain, let the plant dry, and replace it.
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7. Storing seeds
Keep the seeds away from fluctuating temps, and high heat and humidity. Cool and dark
is best. A refrigerator or freezer are good options. Make sure you have a backup plan in the
event of long-term power outage. Paper envelops, washed out pill bottles, recycled snack
contains for the large seeds, are options. It’s heat and humidity that you want to avoid.
Frozen seeds last the longest.
Seeds could last a very long time when saved properly. The general estimate is between five
years and 10 years. Keep in mind that seeds are dormant until they get the proper signal of
heat and humidity to sprout. The longer they stay dormant, the less likely they will be able
to germinate. If you save seeds every year, you really don’t have anything to worry about.
A simple germination test will tell you if your seeds are still good. Take a paper towel and
wet it, place some seeds in it, fold it up to fit inside a ziplock bag. Place the bag somewhere
warm, and in light. If your seeds are good, they will germinate. Try 10 seeds if you can spare
them, and see what your germinate rate is. This will give a sense of how fertile the seed are.
Conclusion
With a little planning, some knowledge about how your plants pollinate and when they are
seed ready, along with a little processing, you’re on your way to collecting seeds. Remember
by saving seeds you are ensuring biodiversity by keeping plant lines from disappearing, you
will have your favorites in your garden every year, and you will preserve a long and storied
tradition that you can share with your family, friends and community.
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That is the ultimate heirloom.
10. Sources for seeds, plants, trees
Here are resources for heirloom varieties of seeds, plants and trees. The list is in no particular
order, is not comprehensive and is not an endorsement of one over any other.
Please take a look around and see which of these links feel right for you.
Seed Matters — advocacy and information about seeds
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — comprehensive resource for heirloom gardening
Hudson Valley Seed Library — heirloom seed and art, the people who started
the Seed Library concept
Sustainable Seed Company — certified organic and powered by clean energy
Tomatofest — strictly heirloom tomatoes
D. Landreth Seed Company — oldest seed house in America
Fedco Co-op Garden Supplies — co-op seed house, potatoes here
Victory Seeds — tobacco included here
Seed Savers Exchange — potatoes and garlic included here
Heritage Harvest Seed — specializes in very old heirlooms
Sand Hill Preservation Center — they have rare poultry also
Trees of Antiquity — specializing in heirloom fruit and nut trees
Seeds of Italy — specializing in Italian heirlooms
Cross Country Nurseries — they have plants not seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds — flowers, vegetables, herbs, cover crops
Pinetree Garden Seeds — flowers, herbs, fungi and mushroom kits and plugs
Maine Potato Lady — organic potatoes and garlic
Kitazawa Seed Company — specializing in Asian varieties since 1917
Bountiful Gardens — a resource for seeds, trees, books, mushrooms, tools, etc
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