You save seeds…seeds save you

Julia Sanderson

Boise, ID

The inspiration for this one were the insanely huge (and also delicious) Kellogg’s Breakfast tomatoes harvested earlier in the season.

​***Before you begin, please note two things:

You should really only try to save seeds from varieties listed as “OP" (open pollinated) or “heirloom.”  Seeds from hybrid varieties are not reliable for producing the exact same tomato you harvested them from.  You’ll still get tomatoes, but the character traits might be different.  Most grocery store tomatoes are hybrid. Additionally, you should only save tomatoes from strong healthy plants, and the tomatoes should be fully ripened on the vine (no green tomatoes).

Aaaannnnnd, here we go!

Step 1:  Put on a shirt that you don’t care about (and maybe pants as well, depending on how messy you are as a person…I do both).

Step 2:  Separate by variety if you are saving from multiple varieties.  Process one variety at a time. 

Step 3:  Lay out your supplies.  Labeling is very important.  You can use a variety of different tools, but I use:

1. Mason jars (or any glass jar)

2. Paper towels with variety and date written on it

3. Rubber bands

4. Knife for opening tomatoes (optional)

5. Towels for wiping up your mess

   
   

Step 4:  Take any jar and open your tomato.  For cherry tomatoes, I usually just squeeze them in the jar until they pop—fun for kids if you want!  For large slicer tomatoes, carefully cut them open, trying to avoid cutting seeds.  Use your fingers to scoop out the seeds WITH the pulp, allowing both the seeds and the gelatinous pulp to fall into the jar.

Step 5:  Add just enough water to cover the seed/pulp mixture, and put the labeled paper towel over the top of the jar.  Secure it with a rubber band.

Side note:  Use the tomato flesh to make a yummy sauce or bruschetta for dinner!

Step 6:  Place in an area of your house you won’t forget them.  I use my kitchen window because I stare at it all the time, and because it doesn’t receive direct sunlight.  Swirl them around daily.  In 3-5 days a thin film will develop on the surface, and the mixture will smell “tangy—that’s when they are perfect.  Seeds that sink are viable and strong. Seeds that float aren’t the best, so let them drain out with the water.

Step 7:  At this point, drain/rinse/drain/rinse until the pulp has been removed and the water is clear. Drain all of the water from the jar. 

Step 8:  Spread the seeds out on the labeled paper towel you used to cover the jar.  Lay them flat for at least two weeks (make sure they are drying in a cool well-ventilated area).

Step 9:  Change your shirt.

Step 10:  Take pride knowing you saved your own seeds!

Happy Seed Saving!