seed saving and sharing -- more-organic methods?

habitat_gardener · August 12, 2009

I noticed the recent thread about using TSP to reduce (eliminate?) the risk of passing on diseases in saved seeds. So I'm wondering what organic methods are effective for processing seeds for my own use or to share. Or if not organic, involving minimal chemicals.

Is fermentation no longer regarded as sufficient?

If not, would a 30-minute soak in 10 percent bleach (not organic, but not caustic and readily available) after fermenting be advisable?

(I'm imagining future seed offers that specify whether the blossoms were bagged, if the seeds were fermented and/or treated with bleach, TSP, or other, whether they'll be shipped with bubble wrap or other padding, etc. etc.)

August 12, 2009	#1
habitat_gardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: California Central Valley Posts: 2,543	seed saving and sharing -- more-organic methods? I noticed the recent thread about using TSP to reduce (eliminate?) the risk of passing on diseases in saved seeds. So I'm wondering what organic methods are effective for processing seeds for my own use or to share. Or if not organic, involving minimal chemicals. Is fermentation no longer regarded as sufficient? If not, would a 30-minute soak in 10 percent bleach (not organic, but not caustic and readily available) after fermenting be advisable? (I'm imagining future seed offers that specify whether the blossoms were bagged, if the seeds were fermented and/or treated with bleach, TSP, or other, whether they'll be shipped with bubble wrap or other padding, etc. etc.)