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?
Yes I'd like to know about this too.
I saved some seeds from my dill and they grew. Never saved anything else.
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
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
Ooo my basil on my windowsill is flowering - i hope i get seeds from that.
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
Hi all :)
As others have written, beans and melons are easy, as are all kinds of squash.
Best of luck,
Col
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.
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 :)
Does the HDRA book have anything about seed saving. I have just ordered it for an outrageous £12.53 ;D
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.
Squashes are easy provided you don't mind risking cross-pollination. Preserving a 'pure' strain is harder, as the flowers need to be bagged.
City Chick, You're a star! ;D
Brilliant little guide!
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!
Quote from: CityChick on July 25, 2006, 20:21:43
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