How do I save seeds from the tomatoes I grew?

Saving seeds from the tomatoes you grew is a great way to ensure that you can grow the same variety of tomatoes again in the future, and it's also a fun and easy activity to do. Here are the steps to follow:


Choose a ripe and healthy tomato: The tomato should be fully ripe, meaning it should be at its maximum size and have reached its final color. The tomato should also be healthy and free from any disease or insect damage.


Cut the tomato in half: Cut the tomato in half across the middle, not lengthwise, to reveal the seeds and gel inside.


Squeeze out the seeds and gel: Squeeze the tomato halves over a bowl to release the seeds and gel. You can also use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and gel.


Ferment the seeds: Transfer the seeds and gel to a jar or container and add some water. The mixture should be about 1 part seeds and gel to 2 parts water. Stir the mixture and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 2-3 days. During this time, the mixture will ferment, which will break down the gel surrounding the seeds and also kill any seed-borne diseases.


Rinse and dry the seeds: After 2-3 days, you will notice a layer of mold on top of the mixture. This is a sign that the fermentation process is complete. Carefully pour off the mold and any floating seeds and debris. Rinse the seeds in a fine-mesh sieve or strainer under running water until they are clean. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or plate and let them dry completely. This may take several days, depending on the humidity in your area.


Store the seeds: Once the seeds are completely dry, store them in a paper envelope or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Be sure to label the container with the date and the variety of tomato, so you know what you're planting in the future.


That's it! You now have tomato seeds that you can save and plant in the future.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pruning tomatoes

 Pruning tomatoes is a key practice that can help improve the quality and quantity of the harvest. Here are some tips to help you prune your tomato plants effectively: Remove the suckers: Suckers are the small shoots that develop in the crotch between the stem and the branches of the tomato plant. By removing these suckers, you can help the plant direct more energy towards producing fruit, rather than growing unnecessary shoots. Remove the lower leaves: The lower leaves of the tomato plant are usually the oldest and least productive. Removing them can help improve air circulation, reduce the risk of disease, and focus the plant's energy on developing fruit. Thin out crowded branches: If the tomato plant has too many branches, it may be a good idea to thin out some of them to allow for more light and air to reach the remaining branches. This can also help reduce the risk of disease. Prune regularly: Regular pruning can help keep the tomato plant healthy and productive throughout the...
Read more

Starting a Garden in San Antonio

  Gardening around San Antonio can be a tough  balance! We have two growing seasons. The spring seasons starts cool and end really hot, and the last starts hot and ends cool. That being said, lets talk about some of the things you should know, that will set you up for success here! The city is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, which means that the average minimum temperature is between 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are some tips on how to garden around San Antonio: Choose plants suitable for the climate: Since the city experiences hot summers and mild winters, it is best to select plants that are heat and drought tolerant. Some examples include cacti, succulents, ornamental grasses, and native plants such as Texas sage, lantana, and yarrow. Picking the right vegetables to grow at the beginning of the year is key to having a successful garden the first time around! Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a popular warm-weather crop and can be grown successfully in San Antonio. They need f...
Read more

Taking care of plumerias

 Sunlight: Plumerias need plenty of sunlight to bloom, so it's important to place them in a location where they can get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Soil: Plumerias need well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can mix perlite or sand with regular potting soil to achieve the right consistency. Watering: Plumerias prefer to be slightly dry between waterings, so make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering. When you do water, make sure to water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Fertilizer: Plumerias are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to encourage blooming. Pruning: Pruning is important to keep your plumeria healthy and looking good. You should prune off any dead or diseased branches and cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to control the size and shape of the plant. Winter care: Plumerias ...
Read more