As summer gives way to autumn, it’s an ideal time to dive into the art of seed gathering from this year’s harvest. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Claire Ratinon, who pointed out that collecting seeds isn’t just about picking them; it’s crucial to have a strategic storage plan in place.
“Whether you’re working with tomatoes, peas, or courgettes, your success really depends on how you store those seeds afterward,” Claire explained. “If everything plays out as it should, you could end up with a lot more seeds from your favorite crops than if you simply bought packets.”
When discussing tomatoes, Claire offered a detailed process: “Start by removing the insides of mature fruit—seeds included—into a jar filled with a bit of water. Give it a shake and let it ferment for a few days. This helps break down any germination inhibitors found in the juice surrounding the seeds. Any non-viable seeds will float to the surface, so you can scoop those out, leaving the viable seeds at the bottom. After giving them a gentle rinse in a sieve, let them dry on a paper towel before storing them in a labeled envelope.”
Turning her attention to beans, Claire shared their self-pollinating nature, which makes them excellent for home seed-saving. “You want to let the beans stay on the vine until they’re plump and the pods are dry and leathery. If rain is in the forecast, it’s best to pick them early and finish drying them indoors before fully harvesting.”
I was curious about seeds with shorter lifespans, and Claire mentioned, “Parsnips are best sown the following season since they don’t store well over time. On the flip side, crops like beetroot and lettuce can last for five years or more. In fact, scientists have successfully germinated lotus seeds that were nearly 500 years old!”
Eager to uncover the secret to keeping seeds viable, I posed the question to Claire. She highlighted the significance of storage conditions: “Seeds can remain dormant if kept in unfavorable germination conditions. Most seeds thrive in warmer, moist environments, so it’s vital to store them in a cool, dry place. I typically recommend using an airtight container and minimizing unnecessary movement. The longer they remain in less-than-ideal conditions, the more their viability decreases.”
With Claire’s insights, it’s evident that with a little care and planning, seed saving can be a fulfilling journey for any gardener. Wishing good luck to everyone embarking on the seed-saving adventure this autumn!
