I’ve currently got some rocket in the garden that is starting to go to seed, so I thought it would probably be  good time to write a post about saving seeds.

Saving seeds is one of the most rewarding things a vegetable gardener can do.   There is great delight knowing that you are growing your vegetables from seeds collected from the previous season.   And by doing so,  you are getting a little closer to be self sufficient.

I encourage other novice backyard vegie gardeners to save seeds, as it is very easy to do.   One benefit is that you are also breeding seeds that are suited to your own backyard micro climate.

(Stop ranting ….So how do you do it , you say)

So when saving seeds, you will want to keep your best produce for seeds.  I know it sounds silly and that you will probably want to scoff them down, but to ensure that you have a good crop the following year I suggest that you leave the healthiest plants for seeds.  Below,  I’ll show you how to save Rocket seeds, However the same princepals can be used for other seeds as well.

Step 1: Let the best plant flower and then go to seed.

Step 2: Let the seed pods mature , and pick or cut (whatever tickles your fancy) and remove from plant.

Step 3: Place pods on a plate.  ( I like using an aluminum tray.)  And place them somewhere away from direct sunlight to dry out

Step 4: Once they have dried out, crunch the dried pods in your hands, to separate the seeds from the pods.

Step 5: Tip….User a Kitchen strainer to separate / sift the seeds from the dried pods.

Step 6: Now place in a glass jar, paper bag, or envelope, label and date then store in the dark place somewhere in the house or garden shed.

Overall, collecting seeds is just a great things to do to pass sometime in the garden.