How to Save Seeds From Mature Vegetables

Save your own seeds from mature vegetables and save money while guaranteeing you will be able to plant your favorite varieties next spring. You can save seeds from nearly any non-hybrid or heirloom vegetable plant. Certain varieties, such as squash, readily cross-pollinate each other, though, so planning at planting time is required to successfully save viable seed. Plant only one variety when cross-pollinating is a concern or space beds 50 feet apart to make your seed saving venture a success.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knife
• Paper towels
• Envelope
• Jar

1. Allow the best fruit on the best producing plant to mature fully. Let tomatoes and peppers reach their full color and begin to wrinkle, allow legumes to dry on the vine, and wait for squash and melons to slip from the vine on their own.

2. Pick the vegetables once fully mature. Cut open with a sharp knife or split open pods and scoop out the seeds.

3. Rinse off any pulp and spread the seeds on a layer of paper towels to dry. Place in a well ventilated room where they won't be disturbed. Allow them to dry for two weeks.

4. Label envelopes with the seed variety and year harvested. Place seeds inside and seal the envelopes closed.

5. Store seeds in a 40 to 50 degree Fahrenheit place until ready to plant. If storing in a refrigerator, place the envelopes inside a jar and screw the lid on tightly to avoid moisture affecting the seeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Most vegetable seeds can be saved for three to four years before planting, but germination rates are best if they are planted the spring following harvest.
• Tomato and cucumber seeds can be difficult to remove from the pulp. Place seeds and pulp in a glass of water for a week. The seeds sink and the pulp can be poured off.
• Moisture and warm temperatures may cause the seeds to rot or germinate early. Always store at cool temperatures.
• Store seeds where mice and other pests cannot get to them.

References

• University of Rhode Island