Seed Saving

[ubergoober]

I did a search on here and I am sure something IS posted here as far as a "how to" tutorial on saving seed but I am not finding much.

I have never saved seed and would love to know how to do this properly. If anyone can point me in the right direction, it would be much appreciated!

[huntoften]

I'm using the Oxyclean method and it's super easy especially for first time seed savers. http://www.feldoncentral.com/garden/...08/seedsaving/

[Timmah!]

Just squeeze the guts of the tomato into an empty cup & let it sit & ferment for about a week. Then rinse the contents until all you have left is your seeds. Spread them on a paper plate or news paper for a week or two to dry.

[dustdevil]

This one covers tomatoes and other garden veg:

http://www.seedsave.org/issi/issi_904.html

[ubergoober]

Originally Posted by Timmah!

Just squeeze the guts of the tomato into an empty cup & let it sit & ferment for about a week. Then rinse the contents until all you have left is your seeds. Spread them on a paper plate or news paper for a week or two to dry.

Thanks! Sounds simple enough.

[dice]

Two fermentation guides:
http://www.victoryseeds.com/informat...ve_tomato.html
http://tatianastomatobase.com/wiki/A...g_Fermentation

[FILMNET]

I would wait for late summer because its to humid for them to dry slowely till September anyway. It's even humid 70% 92 degrees here on the north shore of Ma.today Obama is so lucky to be in Maine this weekend, its maybe 10 degree colder there, and they get less humid days than we do 3 hrs away from where he is. I bet he goes back there often now, one of the best places on the USA coast in summer. Mount Desert Island Maine.

[Timmah!]

Maybe he'll run into Stephen King vacationing. =)

[amideutch]

Just squeeze the guts of the tomato.

Nothing like getting to the point Timmah. But you forgot to say make sure you eat the tomato afterwords. Don't want any tomato abuse going on. Ami

[matertoo]

My first time too! I am drying Cowlicks and MAGR by after fermenting, Also drying another batch of Cowlick seeds after Oxiclean.

You're right Ami. Don't waste any maters.

Happy Matering,

Paul

[Barryblushes]

Ubergoober,what I do is use baby food jars with holes drilled in the lids, to save my seeds. Each jar is labeled like A,B,C,D or 1,2,3,4. Then I keep a list nearby of what tomato seeds are in the jars.I also "swirl" the seeds a few times a day.I usually dont keep the seeds that float.I then use the sprayer on my kitchen sink with the seeds in a strainer to rinse them.Try to keep the jars out of the sun.After they are dry,I put mine in marked zip bags.then into mini brown envelopes.Good luck saving your seeds. Barry

[kay]

Originally Posted by Barryblushes

Ubergoober,what I do is use baby food jars with holes drilled in the lids, to save my seeds. Each jar is labeled like A,B,C,D or 1,2,3,4. Then I keep a list nearby of what tomato seeds are in the jars.

This is one of those moments where I just had to smack myself on the head. Of COURSE a list with labelled containers. I usually write the name right on the container, then I'm scrambling for masking tape to cover it up for the next round to write the new name one. Then the masking tape invariably becomes wet and start to come off and I'm cursing the stuff.

Duh, a LIST. With NUMBERS.

[TomNJ]

I use 8 oz clear plastic drink glasses and label them with a marker pen. Just scoop the seeds into the cup and squeeze about a inch of juices in as well, cover loosely (I use a weighted napkin), and place outside in the shade for about a week, swirling once a day (not essential). When done, decant slowly, refill the cup with water, and decant again. Repeat this until the water is generally clear - this removes larger pieces of tomato and any floating (infertile) seeds. Finally dump the seeds into a fine strainer and wash thoroughly, brushing lightly with an old toothbrush if needed to remove any remaining gel or tomato pieces. Be sure you clean the toothbrush between different varieties as seeds can stick inside.

To dry, just spread the seeds in a single layer on a piece of printer paper, label, and place in a well ventilated room for about a week. Store in coin envelopes in a sealed jar in a cool room, such as the basement. I also put some silica gel into the jar to remove moisture.

Might sound a little complicated, but it is really easy and very rewarding!

TomNJ

[Timmah!]

I'm surprised people like to agitate the contents of the cup & introduce oxygen, considering the fermenting process is an anaerobic one.

[ubergoober]

I am still a ways away of even getting a ripened fruit....I won't be trying it for a bit. I have a fellow tomato addict a few doors down here and we (and another online friend) want to exchange some seed later in the fall. I know I am already excited about sharing the Black Cherry and Black Krim I have.