Future food

Seed Saving to Ensure Locally Adapted Crops

Saving seeds from the garden saves money but has so much more value than just that. By selecting the healthiest and tastiest plants as the seed crop, the most successful genetics are lined up for next year. I believe we've been tricked into thinking that seed saving is incredibly complicated, but it's as simple as letting plants do what they naturally do.

If you are interested in saving seeds, start. There are details, but there are also many seeds that are super easy to save and there's no reason to think you must be a technical expert to be successful. Start first and learn as you go.

It will eventually be important to familiarize yourself with some of the different methods, dry and wet options for example. Some plants take two years or more to complete their life cycles or begin producing seeds. Below are some reference books to help with that information.

seed saving basics

Seed Maturity

One basic thing to recognize is that some seeds mature at the same time the crop is edible and for others, the seed can only mature after the crop is no longer edible. Cucumbers and watermelon make a good set for comparison. One expects mature seeds in a slice of heirloom watermelon, while a cucumber with mature seeds is not desireable for eating. Carrots and other biennial plants are typically eaten in the first year, while the seeds are not produced until year two.

Harvesting Seeds

Another condition to be aware of when saving seeds is how the seed is typically harvested and made ready for storage. Stored seeds should be extremely dry, but they may need harvested through a wet process. Tomatoes are typical of the wet harvest, in which the liquidy pulp and seeds are harvested and allowed to ferment before the seeds can be rinsed clean and dried. Lettuce seeds, on the other hand, are harvested from the dried flower head and only need packed in an envelope.

Pollination and Genetic Success

Seeds are the result of pollination and genetic crossing. Different crop can vary in how much of this crossing is needed. Typically you'll grow one variety apart from other varieties to maintain their distinct qualities, but mixing varieties can yield some interesting combinations and new varieties. Be aware that hybrid seeds will not yield seeds true to the original variety. For seed saving, original seed stock should come from open-pollinated varieties.

Seed Storage

Good storage conditions will ensure that seeds are viable for the future. In general, a seed should be so dry that it snaps or shatters when crushed. It should not be soft or pliable, with moisture levels no greater than 3-8%. This may be a challenge in humid areas of the country, but here in the arid southwest U.S. it should happen easily. Lay seeds out with lots of air flow and protection from wind or disturbance until they are fully dry. Glass jars with good seals are ideal for seed storage.

Labeling Seeds

One should never assume that a seed's identity will be obvious. All cruciferous seeds look alike, so the label is essential to know which are kale and which are cabbage. Other information is valuable too though, such as the year or collection, the variety name or other information about the crop. It can be helpful to note characteristics of the parent crop, like "yellow flesh" or "early maturing".

Resources for seed saving

Seed to Seed Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners, 2nd Edition

Written by Susanne Ashworth. This book is one of the standard texts on seed saving and is packed with information about maintaining varieties, seed growth by plant families and specific crops. For gardeners that want to preserve treasured heirlooms or develop their own varieties, this book should provide much of the details needed.

Landrace Gardening: Food Security Through Biodiversity And Promiscuous Pollination

Written by Joseph Lofthouse. This book and indeed, Joseph's whole approach to seed saving, completely buck the standard when it comes to variety protection. He promotes growing multiple varieties and encouraging "promiscuous" pollination to allow the crop itself to select the most adapted set of genetics for the growing location. This approach feels accessible and simple, a recommended read if you've ever thought that seed saving seems too complicated.

The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds

Written by Dan Brisebois. Including this book to highlight that purchased seeds come from someone who is growing a crop specifically for the seeds. This is an important aspect of agriculture and we need seed growers. If you are thinking of selling seeds, this or other sources of information about the seed trade would be very valuable. The Organic Seed Alliance is another such resource, with information and videos publicly available on the topic.