Seed Saving Circle 2025

[JanG]

Onions and aubergines for me plus a few early peppers. Trying some of Ruud's older pepper seeds in chamomile tea then damp kitchen roll. Just one notable success so far but I wasn't expecting much from older chilli seeds as they're some of the shortest keepers.

And seed snails! New to me - I lead a sheltered life! They look very interesting. I'd love to hear a bit more about how you've used them, MR or anyone else. I imagine they're very good for onions. And if they could save some space and compost for broad beans or peas, which I'm just starting to sort out, that would be great.

[markfield rover]

I tried seed snails last year  , thinking they were probably a bit of a fad , late in the season but I was very impressed by the resulting cosmos and last autumn sown sweet peas are doing well. I have sown broad beans both ways and await results , high hopes for sweetcorn!As for tomatoes I sow a few seeds of many varieties and think labelling would be an issue for me. Snails do save space and compost especially when heated propagator space is at a premium.
If you are on instagram the lady who has good advice/experience is faridasober .

[galina]

Also on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWKeYaL36XgRsqNm_uZKqZQ

[garrett]

I haven't been tempted by seed snails yet, but I have sown my peppers. The older donated seeds haven't sprouted so far but I'm checking every day and still hopeful.

I've bought some grow lights and have my other peppers growing under them. It'll be interesting to see what difference it makes from letting them make do with the windowsill.

[Vetivert]

Ah I've seen this roll method before but had no idea they were called 'seed snails'. Honestly my stomach lurched a bit from subconscious terror at the mere mention of seeds and snails in the same sentence!
Looking at the root development I am very tempted to give it a go, I've got some old compost sacks I could cut up, or does it work best with porous fabric?

[galina]

Porous fabric would mean roots can grow into it and make unrolling more difficult.  Another video I watched yesterday used waxed paper, I think it is called greaseproof sandwich wrapping paper.  It was also mentioned that the taller seed spirals have less capillary action from watering below. 

Have yet to get some practical experience here.  Haven't started any seeds yet here. But soon.  This is very interesting MR!