Gathering seeds

[Pigface51]

Now that everything is growing and loevely, I'm thinking ahead and and to save seeds for next years crops...any hints?

I have some mange tout that I have let grow on, so they are quite simple to get the 'seeds' from (I guess it doesn't matter how big the 'pea' is)

What I am interested in is how to get/capture/save seeds from lettuce and the few carrots that I have this year - do I just let a few of each bolt and then collect the seeds heads (or what I think they might be) and then dry/keep cool the seeds for next year?...if so, how many seeds should I expect to be able to harvest from one lettuce or carrot?

..any other seed hints?

[Pigface51]

[STHLMgreen]

Yes I'd like to know about this too.

I saved some seeds from my dill and they grew. Never saved anything else.

[Sarah-b]

Has anybody got any tips for leek seeds - I have massive leek flowers from last years leeks - they look spectacular and would recommned to anybody with the space that they leave some leeks to flower. Shall I put a bag over the flower?

SB

[ksia]

Lettuce - I just leave some to bolt and self seed when ready, but I'm a bit lazy and have done the same with coriander and parsley. It depends what kind of garden you have - I don't mind the stray plants growing up and they come up when ready without work from me (which is good!). I guess you could catch the seeds before they fall if you want order. 1 lettuce would give you plenty...but I leave a few cause I'm greedy!

Leek - I agree they look fab. If I remember rightly I left it until I could see the black seeds then put a paper bag over it and cut it off with a fair bit of stalk to help hang it up. I then hung it up in a dark, cool barn and forgot about it till this spring and thought I may as try them. I didn't use a careful technique, I just rubbed the flower head along the row and I've loads now! Much better (and more) then the packet sown, I'll definitely do it again.

Apparently letting a parsnip flower/self sow is the best way to get it to germinate so I might try this this year.
I've not tried carrot's.
Peas/ beans etc are easy enough. I did melon successfully last year and will try other plants this year.
Good luck

[OliveOil]

Ooo my basil on my windowsill is flowering - i hope i get seeds from that.

[CityChick]

There is some useful info on the realseeds website, including a basic "seed saving instruction leaflet" you can download:

http://www.realseeds.co.uk/reference.html

[Columbus]

Hi all  :)

As others have written, beans and melons are easy, as are all kinds of squash.

Best of luck,

Col

[jeanaustin]

When cleaning and winnowing seeds (especially 'dry' seed heads eg carrots) its sensible to wear safety glasses to protect the eyes from chaff and dust.

[Emagggie]

I say City Chick, what a brill site! Loads of great info. thanks for that.
Another really good source of information is Jekka McVicars book called Seeds. It covers all aspects of harvesting,storing and sowing.Well worth a look :)

[redimp]

Does the HDRA book have anything about seed saving.  I have just ordered it for an outrageous £12.53 ;D

[amphibian]

I think with carrots you have to save some roots, and then plant them out again next year, they then put up flower stalks which go to seed.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Squashes are easy provided you don't mind risking cross-pollination. Preserving a 'pure' strain is harder, as the flowers need to be bagged.

[STHLMgreen]

City Chick, You're a star!  ;D

Brilliant little guide!

[Pigface51]

Thanks City Chick & All,

That will really help...I'm already planning for next year, saving seeds, looking at rotation and looking at freezing/picking/storage methods for the surprised glut of my first years harvest!

[Money_Bunny]

There is some useful info on the realseeds website, including a basic "seed saving instruction leaflet" you can download:

http://www.realseeds.co.uk/reference.html

Great leaflet and some helpful things on it.

Thanks