Looking for clever tricks for collecting and storing seeds? You are in the right place! Find out when to collect seeds and how inconspicuous bags with string can make your gardening and allotment work easier!
Hello, gardening enthusiasts! Today I’d like to share some invaluable autumn lifehacks to help you take your gardening skills to a new level! You’ll find that collecting and storing seeds can be a truly enjoyable experience
Let’s collect our own seeds!
Buying ready-made seeds can be expensive, but it is very convenient. You pay and you have. It requires minimal effort! However, did you realise that there are far more benefits behind collecting them yourself than saving money? Find out why you should collect the seeds yourself!
Organza pouches for collecting seeds
Seed collecting – why it’s worth it:
- By starting to collect seeds, you not only learn a new skill, but also become part of the natural cycle of plant life. It is an unusual and rewarding experience!
- Collecting seeds promotes the popularisation of local varieties and traditional plants. Your actions help to preserve biodiversity.
- You gain knowledge that will allow you to create unique varieties adapted to your garden and local conditions (new varieties will arise from cross-breeding between species and can be maintained through subsequent careful selection). Collecting seeds will open up new possibilities for you.
How to collect seeds?
Do you want to get started with seed collecting this year? I have compiled a short guide for you with the most important rules for collecting seeds in autumn
- Choose the right plants – this is a key principle. You need to be aware that not all seeds are suitable for harvesting. Only harvest them from healthy plants, as pathogens can spread from plant to seed and threaten future crops!
- Make a seed selection – only collect seeds with a healthy appearance – free from defects, discolouration – for sowing the following year
Fabric bags provide effective protection for fruit, vegetables and sunflower seeds against birds and other pests
When to collect the seeds?
- Choosing the right time – seeds should be harvested when they are ripe. Of course, different plant species may have different requirements for collecting seeds. It is worth looking at the specific guidelines for the plants you have in your garden or allotment. Most often, seeds that are ready to be harvested are black or brown in colour and separate easily from the plant.
- Seeds are best collected on a dry, sunny day, in the afternoon, when the dew has already fallen, but still before the cool of the evening.
Once you have collected the seeds, don’t forget to make a note of the species name, variety and exact date of collection. This will make finding the right seeds quick and hassle-free in the future
Discover a pouch lifehack for your garden!
Use an organza pouch to protect your ripening seeds! Just put it over the plant by pulling the ribbons on both sides – this protects the seeds from birds and from being blown away by the wind
Organza bags for collecting and storing seeds
Collecting seeds from fruit
Collecting seeds from fleshy fruit follows a different procedure. First, split the ripe fruit open and scoop out the seeds. Afterward, thoroughly rinse the seeds, ensuring the removal of any remaining pulp. Then dry the seeds in an airy place – spread them out on a paper towel (they will absorb moisture quickly, replace the towel with a dry one if necessary), one by one, in a place where they will have access to air circulation. Allow them to dry until they are completely dry
How do you store seeds in winter?
In order for seeds to come to life in the spring, they need to be properly prepared for winter storage. This is a key part of the process that determines the quality of the seeds and bulbs. So how do you prepare your harvested seeds for winter storage?
- Label the bags or containers: I make sure that the seed bags or containers are properly labelled with the name of the plant and the date of collection.
- I store the seeds in the right conditions: For most seeds, a temperature of 4°C to 10°C will be suitable. Store the bags in a dry, cool and dark place.
Lifehacks – how to store seeds?
Want to protect your seeds from pests ?Use natural repellents!
- In seed bags it is advisable to put dried bay leaves, lavender flowers, cinnamon bark and cloves, which are known for their ability to repel insects.
Wondering how to protect your seeds from mould?
- keep your seed bags in a dry and well-ventilated place,
- add a moisture-absorbing substance to the bag – e.g. sachets of silica gel or activated charcoal,
With these simple steps, your harvest will remain in perfect condition, ready for the new season
Reusable bags: your support in collecting and storing seeds
Seed collecting can be a wonderful adventure that brings satisfaction and a close contact with nature. Start this fascinating journey today! Remember that proper seed storage is an investment in the future of your garden and a way to promote plant diversity on our planet
Magnolia seeds maturing in an organza pouch
Where to buy fabric seed pouches?
Look around, and you might discover fabric pouches in your home! These trendy eco-friendly packages are becoming more popular, finding uses in product packaging and as gifts for various celebrations. This is the perfect opportunity to give them another life and turn them into practical gardening tools. Remember that by using reusable pouches, you not only save money, but also reduce the production of rubbish
Are you currently without any fabric bags in your home? Check out our shop ‘s range and order your set of pouches to make collecting and storing seeds easier. They will have you ready for the next gardening season!
