Simple Seed Saving

Seed saving can be a rewarding and cost saving activity particularly if plants are selected for their good seed saving characteristics. This article will offer the beginning seed saver helpful advice on which plants to start with and how best to harvest, prepare and save the seeds. Bean/pea, lettuce, pepper, and tomato offer the beginning seed saver the best chance for successful seed saving. They produce seed the same season as planted and are mostly self-pollinating, minimizing the need to be mindful of preventing cross-pollination.

There are several things you need to keep in mind:� What kind of tables is being used (round or long and how large)?Slice open the tomato, squeeze out the pulp and seeds into a glass jar, add water up to about � of the jar, and set aside for a few days. A residue will collect on the top of the water as well as some of the seeds (these are dead seeds). The water will clear and the viable seeds will sink to the bottom of the jar. After five days carefully scoop out the residue from the top and throw it away, pour off the water and then pour out the seeds from the bottom of the jar onto white paper towel for drying.A great idea for place cards is to print the names out on your computer, using a heavier stock paper, Cut them out and simply weave them into the tines of the dinner fork at each place setting!http://www.seedsave.org/issi/issi_904.html1) Baskets: They come in all sizes and shapes and can make even simple gifts look attractive. Packing your gifts in baskets doubles the pleasure as most will reuse as holders for bread, towels or fruit, or simply as an accessory. Wrap your goody-filled basket in cellophane and tie with a ribbon.To your beautiful wedding!2) Tins: Antique and reproduction tins make useful and decorative additions to any kitchen. They are ideal for packing such food gifts as gourmet coffees and teas, spices, candy, cookies and cakes, and they will most likely continue to be used.Being creative and using items around the house can save you time and money. Have fun with these great ideas � the recipient of the gift will enjoy your creative thoughtfulness.4) Cloth bags: You can make these by sewing two colourful pieces of cloth together and inserting a drawstring, or you can purchase bags at a store or online. Small bags can be reused to hold jewellery, while larger bags are great for laundry.Some care must be taken to separate different varieties by at least 50 feet help ensure purity. Most peppers turn red when fully mature and this is the time to harvest seeds for saving. If frost threatens before peppers mature, pull the entire plant and hang in cool, dry location until peppers mature. Cut open mature peppers and scoop out the seeds. Follow with a gentle washing in a mild 10% bleach solution, and lay the seeds out in a single layer on white paper towels until the seeds have thoroughly dried.8) Envelopes: For gift cards or gifts of money, place in a card and envelope. Write a letter on the outside of the envelope, roll up and place in a bottle to create a �message in a bottle� effect � or punch a hole through the corner of the envelope and tie a colourful ribbon through it to hang it on a tree.� For Valentine�s Day, or anytime during February, you can take a large brandy snifter or fish bowl and fill it with little net bags of heart-shaped candies. Tie each bag with ribbons in your wedding colors. Place it on a charger or some colored tissue and sprinkle candy hearts and chocolate kisses around them. The little bags will then become the favors for your guests, so you�ve killed two birds with one stone.� How many people will be there?

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Author: Dr. Christopher Kline