In this week's Homegrown Hint, Joe shows how to save this year's seeds to use next year; this way you can regrow your favorite plants without having to buy new seeds. You need to separate the seeds from the pulp and any other liquid so they can dry. Once you know the seeds are dry, place them in a labeled envelope and seal it in a plastic bag, and the seeds will be ready for you next year when you need them.
Saving seeds has been done for centuries: prized plants were passed from generation to generation by the handing down of seeds. Many of the heirloom seeds you see on the market are available because of seed saving. Saved correctly, seeds can lasts years and years, but they're best used the year or season after they're harvested, while they're still fresh.1. To save seeds, you first need to get them out of the fruit you want to grow again. Cut open the fruit or vegetable and pull out the seeds with your hand or with a small spoon. Spread each type of seeds out on dry paper towels to absorb the excess moisture. 2. There's a lot of extra stuff in with the seeds, mostly pulp and liquid (figure A). One of the best ways to separate the seeds from the rest is to use your hands and spread them out (figure B). You'll notice the seeds are drier and harder than the pulp. As you rub, carefully since you don't want to damage the seeds, you can see the seeds breaking free. Now let them dry out in the open with just a single paper towel over them for a few days.
3. Once you're sure the seeds are completely dry, you can store them for next year. Label a heavy envelope with the variety name and any information you remember about how you grew the seeds and why you liked them. Then put them in the envelope and seal it. Next, to protect them from moisture, place them in a sealable plastic bag. For extra protection from moisture, add a silica-gel pack to the plastic bag.
| 
)
)
