bry's-gal Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 I'm not even sure of the right terminology here so I hope I explain this well! I'm wanting to plant my vegetable garden and then harvest some seeds to save for next year. Problem is, I have no idea on how to do it. Are there any good books or websites that could help me learn? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 This book has been in my wish list for a while. Maybe you can find it at the library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 I'm listening in on this one! Last year we harvested hundreds of seeds from Bells of Ireland, Columbine, Pride of Gibraltar, and Bachelor Buttons. After harvesting them I just put them into labeled paper envelopes, and let them be. The pride of Gibraltar is already growing, and we've now planted the others. I have no idea if they'll sprout.. It's hard to feel too successful with this, when it's been more luck and winging it. :001_smile: I'd really like to learn the proper way to do this. :lurk5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bry's-gal Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 My library does have that book! :D I've requested it- thanks for the tip! Anyone else out there with some tips for me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 If you are saving vegetable seeds they must come from "open pollinated" plants not "hybrid" plants. The hybrids do not grow true to type from seed. Some hybrid seeds are patented, and it is against the law to save and replant them (Thanks to the political power of giant biotech giants like Monsanto and Seminis). Look for seed catalogs that sell organic seed like Fedco, Pinetree Seeds or Johnny's Selected Seeds. Just google "organic seed catalogs." These catalogs will tell you in the description if the seed is hybrid or open-pollinated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bry's-gal Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 Do heirloom seeds count as open-pollinated seeds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Heirloom seeds are probably open-pollinated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 some seeds might need treatment to stop pests infesting them. I have found that bean seeds need to be frozen for 24 hours to stop a borer beetle. I think they must lay eggs just under the skin of the bean, if I put them in a jar, then freeze then remove from the freezer and don't open the jar until I am ready to plant then I have no problem. Other seeds like lettuce like to be cooled just before planting, so the y have the idea that they have passed through a winter. We have also found that carrot seeds germinate way better when we use our on seeds we presume because they are fresher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Most heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, but not all. Buy _Seed to seed_. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giraffe Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Definitely get Seed to Seed. I got it from the library and it's my next book purchase. I love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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