Saving seeds from your own plants is free and satisfying. A few crops make it easy for beginners.
Easy seeds to save
- Beans and peas: let some pods dry on the plant
- Tomatoes: scoop seeds from a ripe fruit, ferment a few days in water, rinse and dry
- Lettuce and many herbs: collect seed heads when dry
Good to know
- Seeds from hybrid varieties (often labeled F1) may not grow true to the parent
- Open-pollinated or heirloom varieties are best for saving
- Store seeds dry, cool and dark, labeled with the name and year
General educational information. Growing conditions vary; check with your local Cooperative Extension office. Nickel Harvest isn't paid by any seed company, garden brand or store.