Seed Saving for Beginners

Saving seeds closes the loop on your garden, turning this year’s plants into next year’s supply. It is easier than it sounds for the right crops and saves money every season.

The simplest seeds to save come from open-pollinated plants like tomatoes, beans, and lettuce, which grow true from seed. Hybrids are the ones to avoid for saving.

• Save from open-pollinated, not hybrid, varieties
• Let beans and peas dry fully on the plant
• Ferment tomato seeds before drying
• Store dry, cool, and labeled for next season