Seed Saving

If you grow a garden and find yourself drooling

over seed catalogs come about February,

you might consider trying to save your own seeds.

You might find your outlook changes a little.

While, I like to think, "Oooh & Aaah, that looks good."

In truth, I need very few seeds after saving seeds for only 2-3 years.

I now think, "I'm only spending $3.42 on seeds!" 

(or whatever small amount it is as opposed to a weeks pay)

Beens and radishes are very easy.

The plants keep the seeds all nice and tidy in a pod.

Here we have spinach.

(We had a rain between seed harvests.  I didn't keep the black looking ones.)

Those little seeds just roll right off for keeping.

I would suggest doing so on a tea towel or placemat, etc.

If you try to do it on a table, 

they are great at escaping by rolling right across the slick surface

and across the floor.

Today, I plan on planting a new row of spinach from my package

that I purchased this spring,

and a row of these that I just saved

in order to test germination.

This year I am going to try my hand at saving carrot seeds.

They require heirloom seeds to start with,

then don't produce seeds until year two.

Our carrots are looking pretty good so will leave a few in the ground

and see what happens next year.

A couple of important tips:

*Hybrids don't usually produce seeds that will germinate.

*Slimey seeds should be washed then dried (tomato, cukes, etc.)

*Keep seeds in a dry place.

*A quick internet search will provide a plethora of informtion

for your favorite veggies.

*Start with just one or two of your favorites:

you'll find you want to save more next year.

*If I can do it, you can too.  (My joke is that

my garden thrives upon neglect;)

I look at seeds like money in the bank.

I know next year, not only will I be saving on seed purchases,

but will also be saving substantially on food purchases.

It's just another way to save money and eat well.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches