Seed Saving

[chickmom3]

I hear lots about buying non-hybrid seeds so you can save your own, which sounds like a great idea to me. The problem is, I'm not really sure how to save my seeds. I have let some lettuces, kale, and radishes "go to seed" but they take forever. At what point do you pull out the plant? Do you dry the pods on the plant?

[Contrary Housewife]

Google is your friend. Basic Seed Saving: Basic Seed Saving describes useful terms and concepts central to seed saving.

[KeithBC]

Many common veggies are biennial, which means they won't flower and set seeds until the second year. If you live in an area where winters are not survivable, then you would need a heated greenhouse in order for them to survive into their second year.

Of course, others mature in their first year, like lettuce and spinach and others like them that "bolt".

Generally, you want the seeds to be as dry as possible. Let them dry on the plant if at all possible. When they are crunchy dry, cut the seed stalks and hold them inside a bucket or paper bag. Crumble the seed heads or pods between your hands. That is usually enough to break the seeds loose into the container. Then fish out most of the chaff, and you are left with (mostly) just the seeds.

I am further drying mine indoors in the sun before I package them for storage. You want no moisture at all in them, so they don't mold.