How to Save Pumpkin Seeds for Next Year
Pumpkins come in many sizes, colors, varieties and are typically used for decoration, making jack-o-lanterns, cooking and baking. No matter what they will be used for, once you've found the perfect pumpkin, harvesting the seeds so you can plant your own for next year is easy, even for the beginning gardener. The most important thing to remember as springtime nears is where you stored the pumpkin seeds. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pumpkin Large spoon Medium bowl Colander Paper towels Wax paper Baking sheet Zip-Lock bags Permanent marker
Instructions
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1
Remove the seeds from the pumpkin with a large spoon by scraping the inside walls of the pumpkin after it has been cut. Place the seeds in a medium bowl.
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2
Separate the seeds from large portions of pulp, using your hands.
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3
Place the seeds in a colander and rinse with lukewarm water. Allow to drain.
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4
Transfer seeds to paper towels and blot dry.
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5
Transfer seeds to wax paper and allow to dry overnight.
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6
Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place the dried pumpkin seeds in a single layer.
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7
Place baking sheet with pumpkin seeds in a cool, dry place to continue to dry for four to six weeks.
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8
Gather seeds and place in a Zip-Lock bag, adding a dry, folded paper towel. Label the bag accordingly, using a permanent marker. Store in a cool, dry place until time to plant.
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Tips & Warnings
Pumpkin seeds are sticky and if left to dry on paper towels, the seeds will stick to the paper towels. Soak the seeds overnight prior to planting for faster germination.
References
- Photo Credit Photo by: Creative Commons: www.thefuntimesguide.com/ 200510/ pumpkin_seeds.php
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Comments
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my first batch of punkin seeds came out AWE....FUL. TASTE LIKE CARDBOARD..... wonder when I ate cardboard?
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We are going to try to grow our own pumpkins next year. I think we are also going to try to grow some of the guinea pigs food. :)
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Step 3b: Make a solution of 20% bleach, 80% water, with a drop of dish soap. I do this by adding 1/4 cup bleach to 1 cup water, adding a drop or two of dish soap and mixing. place the seeds in the solution for one minute, then pour it through a colander or strainer and rinse the seeds well with water. This will reduce the risk of bacterial disease on your pumpkin plants.
