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Saving seeds for use in 2021

BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
in Fruit & veg
Afternoon all,

I've seen somewhere that the best way to store seed is in an airtight container in the fridge with a couple of silica gel packets. Do we agree and does this apply to all seed? Or do different seeds require different conditions? Also, does a brief spell in the freezer help in any way?

I'm keen to propagate a variety of fruit and veg from seeds I've harvested rather than bought. The aim is to produce as much from my garden as possible at zero cost!
East Lancs

Posts

  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    edited July 2020
    Not really worth it, because they won't come true.  To produce seed, the flowers first have to be pollinated, which is done for us by insects.  The pollen needs to be of the same species, but won't necessarily be from the same variety, so the seed will not produce identical plants to the ones you've grown from bought seeds.  The seeds sold commercially have been produced under carefully-controlled conditions, to be sure they are genetically the same as the parent plants.  Even then, it can go wrong:  in recent weeks, there have been reports on this forum of "sweet pea" seeds that turned out to be vetch, and vile-tasting, poisonous courgettes.  Vegetable seeds don't cost a lot, and any you have left over will usually remain viable for 2-3 years.

    There are better ways to save money on your gardening:  it's fine to harvest your own seed from flowering plants, and there is a seed swap thread on this forum.  You can produce more perennial plants and shrubs from cuttings, and in a normal (ie, covid-free) year, there are always home-grown plants to be had cheaply at summer fetes.  You can get free plants, seeds and gardening equipment via the Freecycle, Freegle, Trash Nothing and Next Door websites.  You can make your own liquid feeds from comfrey and nettles, make your own compost, and gather leaves in autumn to make your own leafmould.  If you're lucky enough to live near the sea, you can gather seaweed for mulching (subject to by-laws). You can club together with neighbouring gardeners to buy and share major items of equipment such a mower and shredder.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    I endorse what josusa47  says.  There is a book called 'Seed to Seed' written by an American lady that goes into the process fairly deeply, but the rigmarole of simply saving a few tomato seeds was horrendous and it seems food seeds are more sophisticated (or messed about with) than flowers.  Saving Cowslips, Evening Primrose etc is easy but I predict an hour with the above book could dampen your enthusiasm.
  • shooter007shooter007 Posts: 22
    Self pollenating and bagging would work 
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    Thanks for the words of wisdom folks. I'll scale down my ambition a tad. Although my 2021 strawberry/rhubarb patch will definitely cost me nothing via propagation. I'm going to try to grow a couple of lemon trees, harvest carrot seeds and propagate some herbs. As well as continuing to learn about perfecting my home-made compost. That should bring some satisfaction in a very modest garden.
    East Lancs
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Yes, certainly more realistic.  Save seeds from a few and see how they do.  I tried it some years ago.. and the veg plants were never as healthy or as strong as the ones from left over store-bought seeds.. even though the self-saved were 'fresher'.  Flower seeds saved have always been much more successful.  Hollyhocks, cone flowers, corn flowers, etc.  
    Many of my favorite eating veg are all F1 type hybrids.. so seed packets are the only way to go.  Certainly important to have heirloom varieties available.. but for taste and robustness.. often hybrids are the way to go.   
    Utah, USA.
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Growing from seed and/or propagation is the best way to save money.  It's worth investing in a grow light though.. a long one if you can afford it.  It's not necessary though.. if you have really good light levels in your house and can move seedlings around with the sun.  Due to Covid and being home this spring, I barely used my grow light at all.  My tomatoes would start out in my East facing window from dawn.. then outside (if it was warm enough).. and then back inside in the late afternoon to a West facing window.  And repeat.  
    Utah, USA.
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    Yes - I've certainly had the time to be moving stuff around from dawn until dusk. As well as a couple of snail/slug patrols per day!
    East Lancs
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    Some seeds are easier than others, tomatoes and peas are both good ones to start with as they do not outcross easily so so long as you start with a non F1 plant you will get offspring that are almost certainly going to match the parent. I've been saving tomato seeds for several years now of 3 different types that are grown together in the same greenhouse and they are still true to type. I have also had good success with melon seeds and onions although onions of course take two years to get any seed from.
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