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Mother Earth’s Garden

Preserving Those Seeds

by linette on October 17th, 2008

saving seeds Preserving seeds may just become more important again. With food costs on the rise, and the economy up in the air, saving a few seeds for next years garden may not be a bad idea.

I save seeds every year from my favorite varieties of tomatoes, peppers, several flowers, and gourds.

Some seeds are a little trickier to preserve than others, because they can cross pollinate with other varieties. Corn, and squash need to be separated or they will cross pollinate, and the plants you get from your seeds may not resemble the parent.

Peppers and tomatoes are easy to save and grow from seeds. Many of the best varieties have been handed down from generation to generation. Some of my favorite tomatoes are originally from seeds my dad gave me many years ago.

Every year I save some seeds from one or two of the best tomatoes. I spread the seeds out on a paper towel and let them air dry. Then I put them in a plastic bag or air tight container until January or February, and plant them for the next season’s crop.

Peppers can be saved the same way. Smaller hot peppers can be dried whole, and stored in plastic bags, or glass jars with lids until you’re ready to plant them.

It might be worth the time and effort to preserve a few seeds this fall, to save money on your garden next spring.

Have you ever tried preserving your own seeds for next years garden? How did it work out for you? What’s your favorite variety to save?

Other seed saving resources:

Recycled Seeds

Seed Sewing Tips for Small Seeds

Sorting Seeds

_______________________ blogtoberfest2008

 

 

 

This is a Blogtoberfest Sponsored Post. If you would like to enter for a chance to win the surprise gift behind this blog post, please leave a comment. Prize and Winner will be announced within a week. Check back to see if you’re the lucky winner and what you’ve won!

You also have lots of chances to win great Blogtoberfest prizes! Today, October 16th, your chances (and prizes) are hiding at the following blogs (links open in new window): All Holiday Cafe, Babylune, Blog Fabulous, Mother Earth’s Garden, Offbeat Homes, Layers Upon Layers, Thrify Mommy, Robust Cooking, Dating Dames, Simply Thrify, and The Food Bowl. Visit them all and leave a comment - you may win even more!

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218 opinions for Preserving Those Seeds

  • Kristen M.
    Oct 17, 2008 at 5:22 am

    I don’t have a garden space (one of the many unfortunate issues of living in a condo), but we save seeds for my mom and in-laws from time to time if we have some fantastic produce from the farmer’s market. My favorite result from seeds collected is a peach tree in my mom’s backyard that grows fabulous juicy peaches from a Colorado peach pit we had. Yumm….

  • loralie
    Oct 17, 2008 at 5:55 am

    this is the 1st yr. I’ve tried saving my own seed. I saved lettuce & okra & several varieties of gourds. So next year we’ll see how it goes.

  • Aimee
    Oct 17, 2008 at 6:31 am

    I have never tried to preserve seeds before. I think I am going to have to try it though. Sounds interesting.

  • Audra
    Oct 17, 2008 at 6:35 am

    We have saved seeds from plants for decor but not food. I may have to start doing that as well.

  • Kamber
    Oct 17, 2008 at 7:13 am

    I live in an apartment. Does anyone have any suggestions for me so that I can start a garden?

  • Lindley
    Oct 17, 2008 at 7:57 am

    Luckily our flowers come back every year and this is the first year we are going to try a vegetable garden, so I am going to save some of the seds from the veggies we bought at the farm. Thanks!

  • Heather
    Oct 17, 2008 at 8:14 am

    My favorite way to save seeds is in the compost pile and wait to see what “volunteers” next year. (grin) I am going to save some yellow mini plum tomatos from this year. Those babies PRODUCED!!

  • Huguette E.
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:11 am

    I never been able to get results from keeping seeds, will be trying it again though.

  • Cathy McCaughan
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:14 am

    My grandmother was really good at banking seeds, but I am terrible at it.

  • dh
    Oct 17, 2008 at 11:05 am

    My husband likes to take the tomatoes that were past their prime and throw them all into one of raised beds. Then in the spring we can weed out the volunteers or move them around as needed.

  • Gina
    Oct 17, 2008 at 11:59 am

    Hmmm, I’ve never tried this; however, I’m thinking I want to start growing a few things, especially herbs (basil, mint, maybe rosemary and thyme) I’ll probably stick to containers because we have a mole in our yard that we canNOT catch! blech!

  • Cindi
    Oct 17, 2008 at 12:48 pm

    Eggplant! Many thanks…..Cindi

  • Stacey Brown
    Oct 17, 2008 at 12:53 pm

    I love saving my seeds year to year, it saves me so much money and its a lot of fun growing seedlings!

  • Lindsay
    Oct 17, 2008 at 1:23 pm

    I tried so hard this year to grow my own herbs and they failed miserably in the hot Arizona sun.

  • sandy
    Oct 17, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    neat idea

  • Noreen
    Oct 17, 2008 at 2:05 pm

    if anything that I planted actually had grown I would of tried this

  • Donna
    Oct 17, 2008 at 2:46 pm

    Hmmm. . don’t have much success, except with flowers. They seem to like me. Thanks for the contest.

  • devan brittain
    Oct 17, 2008 at 2:49 pm

    I haven’t ever planted any food - but this year i would like to try.

  • Marilyn Wons
    Oct 17, 2008 at 3:28 pm

    I should try preserving seeds. I have heard of this before

  • Jean
    Oct 17, 2008 at 4:22 pm

    Brilliant idea! I have a to do list ready to go. Thanks.

  • Cathy W.
    Oct 17, 2008 at 4:33 pm

    I’ve never tried saving veggie seeds for next year. Maybe I will start doing that. I do save seeding flower and bush seeds, i.e., Rose of Sharon.

  • Belinda Shaw
    Oct 17, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    I’m sure my gradmother saved seeds but it’s new to me. I’d like to try.

  • Amy G.
    Oct 17, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    Great tips, I’ll have to tell my dad about that since he’s the gardener in the family.

  • JLawson
    Oct 17, 2008 at 6:07 pm

    I don’t grow a garden, but this is a great idea. Thanks.

  • Carol Lawrence
    Oct 17, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    I wish I had room for a garden,I would like to try growing things from my own seeds.

  • Claudia Vitello
    Oct 17, 2008 at 7:35 pm

    OH BOY

  • Terra Heck
    Oct 17, 2008 at 7:36 pm

    I’ve never preserved my seeds, but very well may now.

  • Margaret Smith
    Oct 17, 2008 at 7:48 pm

    Last year we tried to save our seeds, but didn’t have much success. We’re giving it a try again this year. We started with a small amount, and we plant them in a small area of our garden. Hope this works!

  • Andrea Evans
    Oct 17, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    I am not much of a green thumb. I have killed cactus in the past.

  • adrienne Gordon
    Oct 17, 2008 at 8:16 pm

    i have a brown thumb

  • Carol
    Oct 17, 2008 at 8:20 pm

    I haven’t preserved any seeds besides the pumpkin seeds every year, which do very well!

  • Susan
    Oct 17, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    Very interesting.

  • linda
    Oct 17, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    I have been saving my flower seeds. We will see what happens…..Thank you

  • david basile
    Oct 17, 2008 at 8:58 pm

    i would like to try growing from seed this may be the year

  • Deci Worland
    Oct 17, 2008 at 9:03 pm

    The best tomato plant I ever grew was a volunteer that sprang up next to my shed. No weeding, no watering, produced so much I was giving away bagfuls!

  • Paula H
    Oct 17, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    I save flower seeds but I never thought of saving tomato seeds. I’m guessing that you would get better seeds if you saved them from tomatoes at the peak of the plant. I’ll definitely try this next year if I get some good ones.

  • Michael Capp
    Oct 17, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    I’d love to win!

  • Kathy Scott
    Oct 17, 2008 at 9:05 pm

    This would be fun. Thanks for the chance.

  • Marlene
    Oct 17, 2008 at 9:12 pm

    My boyfriend and I preserved some seeds this year from some wild foods and annual flowers. I think seed preservation is a great practice. Great blog!

  • Heather S
    Oct 17, 2008 at 9:25 pm

    I really want to start growing some basic veggies that we eat regularly. I think preserving seeds is a great idea to help you each season.

  • Jenn S.
    Oct 17, 2008 at 9:34 pm

    I think preserving seeds is an excellent idea. I , however, have not had much success. I will try, try again though. :)

  • evi
    Oct 17, 2008 at 9:52 pm

    I just have a balcony but plant as much out there as possible - I keep seeds of my tomatoes. It’s just tricky to get the slimy stuff onto the papertowel and then OFF again! ;-)

  • Shannon Asbell
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:02 pm

    Thanks

  • Shirley Hodge
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:11 pm

    My Dad was a great gardner, we had a garden in the back yard and one at the community plot and every year seeds were saved. Dad had trays that were just framed with screening and these were used to dry seeds. Besides this our kitchen window was always covered with post of herbs year round. As for the little mole, he airates your soil. Just plant a little extra for him. My dad always planted a patch of lettuce and greens away from the main garden in a kind of secluded area for the rabbits and moles and sure enough the rabbits and moles preferred it every time. They could munch and not be bothered by people.

  • Kimberly
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:16 pm

    We planted our first veggie garden this year and I love it! And I love surprises - count me in!

  • Jeni
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:35 pm

    Thanks for the tip will start saving seeds

  • trish
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:38 pm

    Every year I save my heirloom tomato seeds.

  • Denise B.
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:51 pm

    I like growing beefsteak tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, parsley, and chives.

  • Carol Craig
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    I’ve never had any luck planting saved seeds, but I’m going to try it again.

  • Catherine KingChuparkoff
    Oct 17, 2008 at 10:54 pm

    I love to plant seeds with my daughters and see their excitement at every first little sprout!

  • Susan C
    Oct 17, 2008 at 11:09 pm

    I have never saved my seeds, but I am going to start-it’s a great idea!

  • patricia skinner
    Oct 17, 2008 at 11:30 pm

    We plan to put in a good sized garden this spring so saving seeds is something I need to learn how to do.

  • Christine
    Oct 17, 2008 at 11:30 pm

    I have saved seeds from plants that I’ve loved and planted them the next year, peppers, cucumbers, peas, watermelons, even loofahs (fun to grow). Thank you!

  • Cherie J
    Oct 17, 2008 at 11:48 pm

    I have never tried to preserve seeds but I think it sounds like a great idea.

  • Linda Haberman
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:10 am

    Want to Win.

  • Jennifer M
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:13 am

    We’ve had very good luck with saving gourd and melon seeds.

  • Karin V.
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:14 am

    I would just love to start a garden. Too bad my gardening skills are so lacking. Maybe some year I will give it a try again.

  • Diana
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:31 am

    I have never tried saving my own seeds. I always buy tomatoes in the spring as plants and then replant them. I have never had much luck trying to grow tomatoes from seeds. Maybe I’ll try with seeds from this last plant since it grew really good tomatoes.

  • Rebecca Snodgrass
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:34 am

    I love growing plants.

  • Jason
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:39 am

    Thank You for the Nice giveaway, Hope to win!!!

  • Shari D
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:39 am

    I saved the seeds from my beefsteak tomatoes and planted them.Turned out great.

  • veronica sandberg
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:41 am

    I saved seeds from my longstorage tomatoes and got a good crop the next year.

  • MARILOUISE
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:43 am

    I came across a wonderful pepper this year and was so tempted to try and save the seeds but I had no idea how to do it. I am going to look for more and try your hint.

  • Kirby McCauley
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:44 am

    I’ve only had luck with pumpkins & watermelons so far but here’s hoping something else will take next time!

  • Monique Rizzo
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:02 am

    I love gardening. I love my green beans and tomatoes the best! They make a fantastic salad with mozzerella and vinegar!

  • Casey H
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:04 am

    Please let me join into the blogtoberfest fun!!

  • Marie
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:05 am

    I’ve never tried this before — thanks for the advice!

  • Karen
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:06 am

    Great prize, whatever it is!

  • Gianna
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:13 am

    Cubanelle pepper and tomato seeds.. they dry up and preserve well for me and grow great plants the next season.

  • K. Cleaver
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:22 am

    We save some tomato seeds every year. Our family has been growing them for years.

  • karissa
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:38 am

    interesting. didn’t dawn on my to try this. I had my very first garden this year.

  • Lola Brinegar
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:49 am

    I have NEVER been able to grow seeds!

  • Vicky Boackle
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:00 am

    my mother is a seed saver and sharer.

  • charline s
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:04 am

    Tomato seeds is what we have saved, sometimes it works out great and other well not so great.

  • djp
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:08 am

    we save them just to see

  • michael woods
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:18 am

    No garden here but would love to have one eventually

  • Paula Harmon
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:19 am

    Well this info came in real handy, we grew tomatoes and peppers mostly. Thank you for that.

  • Sharon Harmon
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:19 am

    What a great idea to preserve seeds!! In these economic hard times there are so many of us that could benefit from this! Thank you for the contest!

  • Lori Walker
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:24 am

    We’re moving into our first home soon and I can’t wait to use these tips!

  • Frank Winter
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:26 am

    Have a great day.

  • Rose
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:35 am

    Sounds very interesting!

  • Angela J
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:35 am

    Haven’t saved seeds, but after planting a tomato this season that was not what the label stated, I may try that,

  • Pam Morse
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:38 am

    I have never tried preserving seeds, but sounds like a very good idea!

  • Laura G
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:04 am

    haven’t saved seeds, but will save the tips for next year. thanks!

  • Jenn
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:15 am

    I would love to start growing veggies in my own garden.

  • evel
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:18 am

    I save seeds for my son

  • Marilyn Higgins
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:39 am

    Great idea , I have only tried flower seeds

  • Jodi
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:43 am

    i have never tried, i am afraid I would forget where I put them, or I would kill them along the way (unfortunalty I don’t have a green thumb, but I am trying to learn as I go)

  • M.A.
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:53 am

    So timely! Just last week I harvested zinnia and hollyhock seeds!

  • Debbie
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:58 am

    I love plants, but have not had luck growing from seed.

  • Leslie D.
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:59 am

    We didn’t get to plant a garden this year. I missed having homegrown tomatoes, beans, and squash. We have never saved seeds. I will have to try it next year. Thanks!

  • G. L. PENROD
    Oct 18, 2008 at 4:12 am

    SWEET

  • Dave Priewe
    Oct 18, 2008 at 4:27 am

    Surprise me.

  • Debi
    Oct 18, 2008 at 4:49 am

    I would love to grow tomatoes, but we moved into a condo so the only way I could do it, is in a pot on the patio.
    I think I wull try it next year!

  • susan varney
    Oct 18, 2008 at 5:22 am

    i never have kept seeds but i’m thinking above it

  • Elena
    Oct 18, 2008 at 5:26 am

    I’ve saved some basil seeds from this year’s plant–we’ll see if they come up next spring! Thanks for the contest!

  • leloni
    Oct 18, 2008 at 5:26 am

    Great site…

  • Carol
    Oct 18, 2008 at 6:13 am

    My son made a book telling about seeds. We used a bunch of real seed packets. After grading, we planted the seeds and most grew. Veggies all summer.

  • barbara hunt
    Oct 18, 2008 at 6:23 am

    great contest!

  • Carolyn Nedrow
    Oct 18, 2008 at 6:24 am

    Thanks for the great tip!
    cjnedrow@gmail.com

  • Erica C.
    Oct 18, 2008 at 6:34 am

    I wish I could keep up a garden!

  • Theresa Shafer
    Oct 18, 2008 at 6:37 am

    When ever I eat something that is great, I try to save the seed. One-person watermelons, really crispy cukes, watery bright orange melons, but so many times the seeds start to mildew or I forget which seed is which.

  • Vergie
    Oct 18, 2008 at 7:04 am

    you have to. love the seed pods that pop open when you touch them

  • Robert Doscher
    Oct 18, 2008 at 7:17 am

    I have grown herbs, with some success.

  • Ed Nemmers
    Oct 18, 2008 at 7:23 am

    Sweet niblets!

  • Vicki Wurgler
    Oct 18, 2008 at 7:31 am

    I save flower seeds but I have never tried saving vegie seeds

  • Julie Moe
    Oct 18, 2008 at 7:32 am

    Sounds great. Thanks

  • Phil
    Oct 18, 2008 at 7:37 am

    Please enter me!

  • Patricia Mortimer
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:05 am

    We currently have about 100 volunteer tomato plants in our garden-too bad I don’t have a greenhouse.I’d love to have homegrown tomatoes in the winter.

  • Blair
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:16 am

    Great tips thanks!

  • susan p
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:17 am

    please enter me thank you

  • Patty
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:27 am

    We plant tomatoes every year and have never saved the seeds. I will be saving them next year.

  • Lenora Garrett
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:36 am

    What a great way to save some cash. I’m definetly going to try this.

  • Cathie
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:38 am

    Don’t have garden space here.but i do sometimes save seeds for my brother in law, then I get to share some of the produce :)

  • Susan White
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:48 am

    I will be having an herb garden soon so this is some interesting advice!
    thanks so much!

    suzystars9[at]gmail[dot]com

  • Joanna Smith
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:59 am

    Okay - this is why I love to visit blogs - I learn so much!! I never thought of preserving seeds for our garden. I am a smart person with too much on her plate, LOL! The thought just never occurred to me and I thank you so much for sharing your tips with me (us)! I do have a garden and now I am going to look at my garden game plan for next year in a whole new light! On another note - Did I mention that I love surprises! Giveaways are fun and the surprise aspect allows you to dream and wonder with anticipation. Thank you for participating in Blogtoberfest!

  • cathi rushing
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:31 am

    THERE ARE SOME REALLY GOOD IDEAS I WILL TRY

  • Carolyn Walsh
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:31 am

    I save my seeds for my friend. Unfortunately, we do not have anywhere to plant a garden.

  • Brenda
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:32 am

    Thanks for the contest!

  • John Deal
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:42 am

    I just toss the seeds out in one area and harvest the volunteers. I get lots of cherry tomatoes but not many big ones. Can’t figure out why.

  • Lisa Cook
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:46 am

    Great site.

  • Jaque
    Oct 18, 2008 at 10:01 am

    I have never tried saving seeds, although I remember my grandmother doing this. She also saved egg cartons, before they were styrofoam, and used these as starter containers for her saved seeds. When the plants began to grow, she would cut each individual section and plant it outside.

  • ron
    Oct 18, 2008 at 10:04 am

    a vote for obama is a vote for the seeds of change

  • Linda
    Oct 18, 2008 at 10:08 am

    My mother likes to save seeds,dry them and store away for spring planting.I am not that inspired.Maybe somsday i will.

  • durberville
    Oct 18, 2008 at 10:10 am

    My tomatoes failed miserably this year, have no idea why.

  • Tonya Froemel
    Oct 18, 2008 at 10:52 am

    count me in please

  • Delores
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:01 am

    please enter me!

  • Catherine
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:01 am

    Thanks for the info. I think I will try saving some seeds next year.

  • romero
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:02 am

    would love to be entered.

  • Courtney S
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:08 am

    No, I have never done that. I just don’t have a green thumb. :(

  • Leif
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:11 am

    I’ve always had a difficult time growing from seed. But after a move from the East Coast to the West Coast, I wish I had brought some of the seeds I had with me. This was the first time in years I didn’t have any Tabasco peppers in my garden, and not for lack of trying to locate them.

  • Ruthann Rhodes
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:18 am

    I still have johnny jump ups that my grandmother gave me seeds from her own garden years ago. No matter how many moves we have a piece of her with us.

  • jennefer sweitzer
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:24 am

    i didn’t know you could do that, I am not a gardener, but next spring my daughters and i are going to try….fingers are crossed.

  • Sandra Potter
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:30 am

    Good information, might try it.

  • Carla Pullum
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:31 am

    Thanks for all the information on seeds! Help me alot!

  • Tracie
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:32 am

    This is the first year I have tried this but had some great heirloom tomatos I want to try and grow next year,

  • Misa
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:50 am

    Thanks for all the great info!

  • Chrysa
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:59 am

    The only thing I have successfully saved are marigold seeds. Those are easy!

  • Ashley
    Oct 18, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    i havent but i would love to

  • alice t
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:03 pm

    We do save seeds for the next years garden. Squash, tomato, cucumber, eggplant. And all the flower bulbs are dug up and put in the cellar. My husband has a great garden every year, and enough for the neighbors too!

  • Zoe Lee
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:20 pm

    Thanks for sharing this. I do have a garden, but i have never preserved seeds before….

  • jlo23
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    I try every year to have my garden, but every year I fail. The good news is that it does get better each year. I will keep trying until I get it right.

  • Leah J
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    Thanks for the tips! I’ll be passing them on as well! :)

  • Jennifer C
    Oct 18, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    I’ve never preserved my seeds, but what a great idea!

  • Robert R
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    Thanks for the nice giveaway

  • Pam Tufts
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:30 pm

    great site

  • Janet
    Oct 18, 2008 at 2:57 pm

    Very interesting.

  • renee G
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    We’ve always saved marigolds — it saves so much money…..

  • Kathryn Bakken
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:31 pm

    I saw a tv program about banking seeds and it was really interesting.

  • Samantha Pruitt
    Oct 18, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    i used to try and plant seeds when i was a kid, i don’t think they grew into anything…yet!

  • Kathleen Dalton
    Oct 18, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    We saved the seeds from a variety of flowers. We shared them with friends and family members.

  • Rebecca Furlong
    Oct 18, 2008 at 4:20 pm

    I work a lot of hours, and my Mother is an avid gardener, so if I have a particularly great tomato, pepper or other vegetable or fruit I love (like the bags of sweet peppers from Costco), I am sure to put the seeds in a baggie and bring them to her; she dries them out, and grows them for me the next spring. After they are beginning to produce, she brings me many plants in pots so I can have them fresh, too. Every spring I buy her the red Solo cups, and she grows hundreds of seedlings from the tomato and pepper plants’ seeds we all save (and I buy) for her, and I take them to the local Community Pantry; she says although she is disabled, this is her way of enticing others to grow to love gardening, too. Over the years, we have heard feedback that many of the recipients have eaten the fruits over the summer, and were quite successful, and some are now gardening because of her!

  • Monica B
    Oct 18, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    I have never preserved seeds before. I’ll have to try doing that. Thanks.

  • Claire O'Dea
    Oct 18, 2008 at 4:58 pm

    We do some container planting - peas, carrots, and strawberries this year. :D

  • jen gersch
    Oct 18, 2008 at 6:13 pm

    we are trying to preserve pepper seeds

  • Jeanine Price
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    I enjoy gardening! And I love surprises! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

  • Lynn H
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    I have never tried to preserve seeds. You can always learn something new…Thanks for the info and please enter me!

  • Shari M
    Oct 18, 2008 at 8:49 pm

    I have saved flower seeds but never vegetables.Too late this,I will try it next year though.

  • Gaye McGill
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    I don’t have a lot of time or energy for real gardening right now, but lots of stuff grows great in containers on the back porch or patio. Next year I’m going to expand my efforts and grow more than tomatoes.

  • Veronica Jarvis
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:13 pm

    Fantastic! I love surprises!

  • Michele C
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    Very helpful info. I am not much of a gardener but we like to grow tomatoes. Hoping to have a big garden one day if we ever get to move.

  • Audrey
    Oct 18, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    I am a seed saver and sharer.

  • Suzanne Folwick
    Oct 18, 2008 at 10:17 pm

    Thank you for the great information

  • Jennifer C.
    Oct 18, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    Great idea. Now if I can just keep the stray cats and other critters away from my garden.

  • sarah woods
    Oct 18, 2008 at 10:57 pm

    Saving flower and veggie seeds, are always a wonderful way to reflect also upon the past and the present/future as reflection of our lives during the past, present, future growth rates usually compare to those times in our lives. Gardens are our own life reflections. Thank you!! SW

  • J. Campbell
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:04 pm

    I got some tomato plants back from seeds this year. Sweet 100’s. They were great.

    And always zinnias..they are best from seeds.

  • Fun Happenings at The Lifestyles Channel
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:06 pm

    [...] Preserving Those Seeds [...]

  • Jessi A
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm

    I love this idea. I have never done it but I know my mother saves flower seed and cucumber seeds.

  • Dorothy L
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    I plant a small garden every year, and this never crossed my mind, but from now on I will give it a try.

  • Betty
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:18 pm

    We have deer who delight in all gardening efforts in the neighborhood. Hoping to preserve some flower and herbal seeds for use in the protected patio area. Thanks

  • Rebecca Peters
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:30 pm

    never thought of preserving seeds..very neat

  • Tammy
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:39 pm

    Neat tip - I don’t garden.

  • Nanette Olson
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:40 pm

    I used to save seeds and lately have been thinking I need to do it again. Thanks for the great information and refreshing my memory.

  • Veronica Garrett
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:45 pm

    I remember my parents saving seeds to preserve favorite varities of seeds.

  • Around The Lifestyles Channel
    Oct 18, 2008 at 11:51 pm

    [...] Preserving Those Seeds [...]

  • Karen Gonyea
    Oct 19, 2008 at 12:14 am

    Great Tip :)

  • judy chapman
    Oct 19, 2008 at 12:24 am

    My mom and dad were always good with seeds but not me, oh well try and try again, great giveaway.

  • Joseph Stowell
    Oct 19, 2008 at 12:28 am

    Heirloom seeds are an important gift to the next generation.

  • Darcy
    Oct 19, 2008 at 12:46 am

    I save Nasturtium seeds every year, but am going to try to start saving more! Thank you for the giveaway.

  • Elizabeth M.
    Oct 19, 2008 at 1:10 am

    I love watching seeds germinate. It’s fascinating and such a miracle!

  • Andrea
    Oct 19, 2008 at 1:31 am

    We haven’t saved seeds from our veggie garden but now I’m inspired! I still have tomotoes on the vine as we haven’t had a hard freeze yet so I’m going to give it a try. We do save flower seeds though. My favorites to save are morning glory seeds…the wonderful colors I get each year are amazing!!

  • Becky Grayson
    Oct 19, 2008 at 1:32 am

    My Dad was so good at gardening. Hubby has grown some wonderful tomatoes and a couple other veggies but this year I will be helping him. We shall see how it goes. If we have some good veggies I plan on trying to save the seeds.

  • Sherry Sullivan
    Oct 19, 2008 at 1:37 am

    We take seeds from what we’ve grown this year and put in a dry place for next year…some seeds we store in our freezer…

  • Heather C
    Oct 19, 2008 at 2:11 am

    Is there hope for my black thumb?

  • Kayce C
    Oct 19, 2008 at 2:18 am

    Count me in

  • Barbara
    Oct 19, 2008 at 2:33 am

    I’ve tried saving seeds, but mine usually don’t grow! Wish I knew how.

    oinkmoobaa (at) yahoo (.) com

  • Becky Mize
    Oct 19, 2008 at 2:42 am

    neat I started thinking about seeds the other day. I have been getting my back yard ready for a big garden in the spring. I saved flower seeds this year which i have been doing for a long time but I am thinking vegetables this coming year and i can’t wait!!

  • Linda Lansford
    Oct 19, 2008 at 2:44 am

    I like to plant things

  • Julianne
    Oct 19, 2008 at 2:55 am

    Saving seeds is very important if they come from REAL plants, not hybrids. With all the hybrids and laboratory creations now…the average person will not have access to normal seeds if they are not growing the plants and saving the seeds each year. Some day, those very seeds may save your life in a time of famine, which seems more plausible each year. Great reminder from your story! Thank you!

  • Marilyn
    Oct 19, 2008 at 3:17 am

    more power to people who grow their own food

  • william causey
    Oct 19, 2008 at 4:11 am

    ive been planting the same pumpkin seeds for years now

  • kathy pease
    Oct 19, 2008 at 4:13 am

    i dont have much luck with seeds i usually buy the seedlings :(

  • Deborah
    Oct 19, 2008 at 4:14 am

    What Julianne said. :) Also it seems like the surest way to get predictable results, since the seeds will normally produce replicas of the previous crop. With purchased seeds, you’re really taking chances.

  • Debbie B
    Oct 19, 2008 at 4:51 am

    My father in law plants a huge vegetable garden for our family every year.
    Thanks for the giveaway - I love surprises!

  • Catharine R
    Oct 19, 2008 at 5:20 am

    My formerly green thumb was a little bit brown this year. Next year will be better!

  • Cynthia Smith
    Oct 19, 2008 at 5:28 am

    I never been able to get results from keeping seeds.

  • Michelle H.
    Oct 19, 2008 at 6:07 am

    I never preserved seeds and now I really want to.

  • amy delong
    Oct 19, 2008 at 6:14 am

    I would love to do the whole seed&garden thing!!

  • Sarah Lehan
    Oct 19, 2008 at 7:42 am

    I only have a very small plot where I keep mint and oregano. They come back every year so I don’t save the seeds. Thanks for the contest.

  • ikkinlala
    Oct 19, 2008 at 8:16 am

    We regularly save peas and beans and some types of flowers, but I’ve been thinking about trying to save a wider variety of seeds.

  • Sarah Z
    Oct 19, 2008 at 8:28 am

    This is such a great idea, I love to garden anyway… this is just taking it a step further!

  • Dede
    Oct 19, 2008 at 8:52 am

    I have always wanted to do this with our sunflower seeds but we’ve always leaving the seeds for the birds.

  • Michael Paul
    Oct 19, 2008 at 9:01 am

    Thanks…

  • Holly B
    Oct 19, 2008 at 9:07 am

    I’d love to win!

  • Debra F
    Oct 19, 2008 at 9:15 am

    I’ve been a seed saver (and even snatcher) for years. Mostly flowers and herbs for my garden. I’ve been known to carry small ziploc bags in my purse and snatch some seed pods when I’m out and about in the neighborhood!

    Thanks for hosting the surprise giveaway. Hope to win.

  • Tracey Byram
    Oct 19, 2008 at 9:42 am

    A neighbor once gave me marigold seeds from her own plants and then was amazed at how huge they grew in my yard. They never got that big for her. I chalked it up to the rich black soil that I planted them in.

  • Suzanne Reichard
    Oct 19, 2008 at 10:19 am

    I have a garden and this year had some “volunteer” green beans that planted themselves. They were so amazing. They provided me with green beans all summer so I saved the seeds.

  • Mary Casper
    Oct 19, 2008 at 10:21 am

    This year I had a very large garden, part of it had flowers..part vegetables.. Everynight after work thats where I can be found…watching my garden grow

  • Suanne Giddings
    Oct 19, 2008 at 10:58 am

    I have never tried to preserve seeds before, but I think I need to start. With the economy the way it is, I am thinking this may be the only way we are going to get our fresh veggies.
    Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!

  • A Casson
    Oct 19, 2008 at 11:04 am

    Any surprise is a good surprise, right? Please enter me, ty

  • MARY HOFMANN
    Oct 19, 2008 at 11:27 am

    Groovey!

  • Bev
    Oct 19, 2008 at 11:40 am

    I love to garden, but have never saved seeds before. However they are getting very expensive, so it may be a good idea to do so. I can remember my parents, years ago, saving seeds from the biggest pumpkins and squash for the next year’s planting and they always grew lots of those to store for the winter months in the cold basement. Thanks for having the contest, I love surprises.

  • Timothy Sternberg
    Oct 19, 2008 at 12:08 pm

    I don’t have a garden space.

  • Aaron Bretveld
    Oct 19, 2008 at 12:48 pm

    Good tip, but I live in an apartment so no garden :(

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Karen Everrett
    Oct 19, 2008 at 1:48 pm

    I used to save my tomato and pepper seeds. It was really quite easy. Unfortunately, my busy schedule keeps me from growing my own veggies.

  • Donna K
    Oct 19, 2008 at 1:51 pm

    Count me in please.

  • Lily Kwan
    Oct 19, 2008 at 2:17 pm

    I haven’t saved seeds for next years garden yet, but would like to try.

  • Tauna
    Oct 23, 2008 at 3:29 am

    I can’t wait to try saving some of my tomato seeds and pepper seeds. ooo ooo oooo pumpkin seeds too!!!

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