SEED SAVING FOR GARDENERS

CGC members recently attended a workshop at Tower Hill with Christie Higginbottom, garden research historian from Old Sturbridge Village, to learn basics of seed saving and plant hybridization. The club is interested in providing community info in this area. To help new seed savers get started, we have posted several downloadable documents from the workshop:

• A one-page overview of the workshop, which explains the principles of seed saving and pollination, some good reasons for saving, the timing and rudiments of seed harvesting, and the basic requirements for safe storage. This brief overview mentions a couple of backgrounder documents that illuminate the current status of heirloom seed saving.
• A copy of the six-page workshop handout distributed by Christie Higginbottom. This summary includes a select list of resources for those who want to learn more.
• A two-page list of nurseries that specialize in open-pollinated or rare varieties suitable for saving.
• A list of some popular garden seeds, with estimates of their average viability lifetimes.

HERE ARE some YouTube links to inspire you:

• Seed Saving Advice To Beginners  
• Seed Saving for Beginners - Grant Olson
• How to Save Seeds from 10 Vegetables in Your Garden
• Webinar: Saving Seeds from Peppers

and as you watch, many more will appear!