Last spring, when it was planting time, I found myself confined to my house. Growing a garden was “non essential” and some stores were closed and larger stores had closed their gardening sections. Plus, I was looking at a beautiful green lawn rather than freshly turned soil. I promised myself that I would never be in this situation again.

Now, when possible, I grow and collect my own seeds.

I made sure I was buying only ‘heirloom’ seeds and plants (as opposed to hybrid seeds and plants). With heirloom plants, it is easy to perpetuate your plants from year to year. Seeds from hybrid plants will revert to an unknown parentage and there is no way to know what that might be.

With peas, just collect those over ripe, dried up pods that you missed during your first few pickings.

Tomato seeds are easy to collect but must be fermented for a week before drying. Check on YouTube to see how this is done.

Carrots seed comes from a mature carrot on the second year.

When digging potatoes, I set the small bite size tubers to one side. They are the seed for next year.

When I dead head my ornamental flowers, I’ll allow a small portion to fully mature. These are for next year.

Petunia seeds are so small, you almost can’t see them.

Before planting any of my seeds, I’ll do a germination test.

Finally,  I’ve already ordered and received many of my seeds for next spring.