How to Store Pumpkin and Squash Seeds to replant in the Garden

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By Wasatch
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Store Pumpkin and Squash Seeds to replant in the Garden

If done right you can save heirloom seeds of varieties of squash and pumpkins for planting next year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pumpkin or squash
Paper towels
Storage container
strainer

Step 1

It is very satisfying to be able to save seeds from a variety of pumpkin or squash and plant them again next year for the same success. Growers of giant pumpkins for contests will save, buy, sell, and trade seeds of champions.
Step 2

Chose squash or pumpkins that are overripe. You may leave a few on the vine specifically for this. Bring them in before hard frost if possible, but let them fully ripen. Grow them to maturity unlike those you want on the table.
Step 3

Scoop the seeds out. Rinse and remove the strings or "goop". Rinse in cool water as too much heat can cause germination problems. As soon as possible put them between paper towels or other material to absorb all the moisture you can. Dry seeds store well. Wet ones rot or mold.
Step 4

Store them in a jar or air tight container. They should be kept in a darker, cool dry place. Heat will cause lack of germination and moisture will cause them to mold or rot.
Step 5

Next spring you can start them early indoors or in a greenhouse, or plant them directly when danger of frost is past in your area.
Step 6

Squash and pumpkin are an excellent source of vitamin A and many other vital elements to a healthy diet. Save what seeds you need to plant and use the rest to roast and eat now.
Step 7

Some Hybrid seeds and some crossbred seeds will not germinate. If you grew it from your last years seeds it should grow well. I have some pumpkins that I have grown 8 years in a row from my own seeds.

Comments

goldiec said

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on 8/20/2009 Thanks for the great tips on How to Store Pumpkin and Squash Seeds to replant in the Garden. 5*

eliptica said

on 2/17/2009 I love toasting seed to but I love gardening also...oh the desicions one has to make.

hopekee said

on 10/18/2008 This would be hard for me to do since I love toasting my pumpkin seeds and eating them warm with salt seasoned on them lightly! Great tips!! I DUGG IT!