How to Save tomato seeds by fermenting them

Save your own tomato seeds to grow in your garden. Save money by not having to buy commercial seeds year after year. Preserve old heirloom varieties for future generations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tomatoes
• knife
• cup
• plate
• water
• envelope

1. 
    
   Some of this years best tomatoes

   Start with a non hybrid variety of tomato. Seeds from hybrid plants will not grow true to type. There are many good old fashioned heirloom varieties to choose from. Pick several of your best looking tomatoes from several plants. This will give your future plants a greater amount of genetic diversity. Keep different varieties labeled to prevent confusion later.

2. 
    
   Cut in half

   Cut the tomatoes in half with a knife. Be careful not to cut yourself.

3. 
    
   Seeds scooped out

   Scoop out the seeds along with some pulp with a spoon. Add enough water to fill the cup half way.

4. 
    
   Seeds fermenting

   Set the cup aside for three to four days. Allow the seeds to ferment. In nature tomatoes fall off the plant and rot. The same thing is happening here. During the fermentation process the seeds separate from the pulp, the gelatinous seed coat is broken down, and some seed born plant diseases are killed. This will ensure better germination and healthier plants in the future. Beware that there will be some smell and mold, this is normal. If fruit flies are a problem, the cup can be covered with a damp towel.

5. 
    
   Clean seeds ready to dry

   After three or four days of fermentation the seeds are ready. Do not let them ferment too long or they may die or have a poor germination rate. Give the seeds a stir, they should be separating from the pulp. Clean them by adding clean water. The good seeds will sink and the pulp, mold, and bad seeds can be poured out. After several changes of water the seeds will be clean. Pour them off onto a plate and let them dry out for about a week or so. When they are thoroughly dry they can be put into envelopes, labeled, and stored in a cool dry place until you are ready to plant them next year. You will save money by never having to buy another packet of tomato seeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not try to hurry the drying process, let them air dry on their own.
• If they stick to the plate when they are dry they can be scraped off with your fingernail.
• Label different varieties to prevent confusion later.
• Save seeds from non hybrid varieties for best results.
• Be careful when using knives