My Tiny Krim or Banana Wonder?

My plants do me a huge favour (because it’s all about me!). They produce lots and lots of seed every year, without fail. They spend their time and energy kicking out an abundance of ‘mini me’s’ and what do I do? I ignore their efforts (for the most part), complain about the price of plants at the local nursery and insist on buying seed because I ‘like the packet design’. Not very smart, actually.

Last year, I spent a small fortune with Botanical Interests. So much infact that they sent me free seed as a ‘thankyou’ for the business. Hmmm… exactly.

The bottom line is that I need to get on it with the seed saving and generally making more use of the free stuff that is already in my garden. I started with my Tomatoes. Most of the Tomatoes I grew this year were heirloom Tomatoes. This equals more expensive than the others. I’m not a skinflint. At least I don’t think I am. But I do like a good deal. And saving my own seed is good deal. And also pretty fun.

I’ve done it before. Specifically, with Tomatoes you need to rot off the jelly bit that is around the seed. Otherwise you run the risk of the seed going mouldy in the packet. Scoop the seed out and put it in a container with a lid. Then put some water in and put the lid on. Leave for a week. Then pour through a sieve and knock the seeds out onto a paper towel to dry. When they are dry pop them in a ‘breathable’ bag – I’ve been using paper coin bags. And label.

When you save your own seed you can play around with naming them. One of my Black Krim Tomato plants insisted on producing yellow Tomatoes instead of red/black. So I saved the seed separately and called it Yellow Krim. I’m pretty sure it’s unique :) Maybe I could go crazy and call it ‘My Tiny Krim’ or ‘Banana Wonder’.

I’m estimating I’ve saved around $15 on Tomato seeds. Assuming they germinate. But you know if they don’t, who cares? They were free!

I’m also not limiting my seed saving to vegetables anymore. I’ve saved Salvia, Larkspur, Delphinium, Poppy, Polemonium and Foxglove. And also Hosta. Oooh… look at me! Assuming I can grow all of these seeds think of the possibilities when it comes to the number of plants I can produce. I may even have some to give to the neighbours. Well, maybe.