Saving Seeds: Preparing the Garden

In order to have seeds to save from your garden for next year, there are a few things you need to do in your garden right now. Watch this quick video tutorial and then jump to the section below for a list of seeds you can save and how. Later in the fall, I'll share specific information on each type of plant and how to save the seeds.

Here's what you need to leave IN the garden. Don't pull these plants out if you want to save the seeds. Let them die and turn brown. Some of them will "bolt" which means they will grow a tall spike and then flower.

Radishes, Arugula, Spinach, all Lettuces, Green Beans, Carrots, Parsnips, Beets, (most herbs: Basil, Dill, Cilantro, etc...)

Here's what you need to do to save seeds from plants that produce fruit. Save the very best specimen (or any really good one) from your garden this year. The most flavorful beefsteak tomato, the sweetest cherry tomato, the largest eggplant, okra, peppers, pumpkins, butternut squash, etc... These plants have the DNA to be successful in your garden next year. Leave them on your counter until they are a little past ripe, but not rotten. There will be some we can't save, but I'll explain that in future posts.

Questions?