The rewards we associate with gardening are the fruits, vegetables and flowers we tend and harvest. But after the flowers and fruits are gone, many seeds still remain. Seeds ensure a plant's future to start anew for next year's growing season. These seeds can be harvested and prepared for future crops and give the gardener the satisfaction of helping nature complete the lifecycle for these plants.
Most homegrown garden plants start from purchased seeds. While the success of any garden depends on seed quality, seeds harvested this summer and fall can have the same quality as store bought seeds at only a fraction of the cost. A few tips will help ensure proper collection, treatment and storage for next year's success.
Understanding the flower and seed cycle will help with the harvesting process. Once a flower has bloomed, the seed production cycle starts. Look at the base of where the bloom was. Over time a fruit or seedpod will develop. This fruit serves to protect and assist in seed development. The seeds must mature and ripen to ensure germination for the next growing season.
Once the seeds have reached maturation, it's time to harvest. A good rule of thumb is that when the fruit or seedpod surrounding the seeds is green or moist, the seeds are not mature. If the fruit or seedpod changes color, dries out and begins to open, the seeds are ready.
Storage is the most important factor for seeds' future germination ability. Conditions favoring germination are opposite those of ideal storage conditions. Keep in mind, the drier the seed, the longer the seed will store. Typically, moisture content of 8 percent is ideal for storage. Above or below 8 percent will either decrease shelf life or cause seeds to become too hard, respectively. To achieve 8 percent moisture, dry the seeds at 100 degrees F for six hours. Spread the seeds on a tray and place in a shady location on a warm day. Direct sunlight or using a microwave oven can be overly harsh, killing or drying the seeds too much.
Following the drying process, seeds are now ready for storage. Seal the seeds in moisture-proof, airtight containers. Storage conditions below 40 degrees where the seeds maintain 8 percent moisture are ideal.
Properly labeling and packaging is important. Label each container to identify next year's crops. Tracking harvest dates and dates planted will ensure seeds are used within their longevity time period. Each plant seed has a specific shelf life. If you are unsure about expiration dates, check with the Extension office in your county.
Creativity is the final step in the process. A great gift idea is designing a seed packet and filling it with your favorite plant seed. And planting this year's harvest next spring return the joys of seed collecting.
For more information on Gardening, contact your
local Colorado State University Extension office. |
