A Method for Saving Tomato Seeds

Photo:

Judith Cox

Judith discusses a slightly different method of saving tomato seeds, which involves fermenting the seeds to improve their quality.

It is a dark morning with mist and fog. It would seem that autumn has sneaked in when I was not looking. The temperatures are starting to drop, so I am watching for frost. So far, I still have vegetables and seeds to harvest but I am not too concerned.

I have several plants that are ready for seed harvesting, but I can’t do that right now. It is too wet. If I harvest the seeds while they are wet, then I risk mold and mildew on my seeds and a lack of germination. As seed harvesters, we need to wait for a couple of bright sunny days and save our seeds when they are dry.

Saving Tomato Seeds

I have decided to try a slightly different method of saving my tomato seeds. From a freshly picked batch of tomatoes, I chose healthy ripe ones to save. Then, cut them open, scooped up the seeds and put them in a jar with some water. This will cause the seeds to ferment which is supposed to improve the quality of the seed.

Once they are in the jar, I swirl them every day for three to five days.

Jars of Tomato seeds fermenting — Tomato seeds fermenting in jars

After a few days, I put the seeds from each jar in a sieve, run cool water over them to get them clean and then place on a paper towel to dry.

I usually put seeds from my tomatoes directly onto paper towels to dry and I shall do that as well. I am looking forward to planting each method in the spring and seeing if the fermentation makes a difference.

Drying tomato seeds on paper towels — Seeds after they are sieved and placed on paper towels.

Here’s what I wrote previously on collecting tomato seeds.

Niger Seeds for Goldfinches

I have noticed that the birds are going through the bird seed that I put out in a very timely fashion. Many goldfinches are here looking for niger seeds and they are also checking out the seeds on my mullein. The chickadees peek in the window to remind me to fill the feeder, much to the delight of the too-many cats who enjoy watching the daily drama of the bird feeder. Soon the blue jays and cardinals will be wanting more seeds, and the woodpeckers will be busy as well. I watch as the woodpeckers take a seed from the feeder and carefully place it into the bark of the tree. I think it is storing the seed for later. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stay there very long, the squirrels come along and pull out all of the stored seeds.

Plan for the Upcoming Frost

Keep an eye on the weather if you are worried about frost. You can cover up tender plants and protect them for a while yet. I am waiting to harvest my carrots as they get sweeter if they are left in the ground after the first couple of frosts. Now I am waiting for a sunny, dry day so I can finish harvesting my seeds. Enjoy your week. Judith (Email: sghorticultural@gmail.com) Veggie Bites are available at https://sghorticultural.wixsite.com/website or https://gardeningcalendar.ca/articles/veggie-bites/

American goldfinch, Bird feeder, Blue jay, carrots, Feeder, Frost, Germination, Health, Ottawa, spring, tomato, Towel, Tree, Vegetable

About the Author

Judith Cox

Judith Cox is a Master Gardener and President of the Stittsville Goulbourn Horticultural Society . The many topics covered in her blogs include starting a garden, planting seeds, selecting the best seeds, identifying specific plants, and growing produce other than what is found at the grocery store. Every issue offers solutions to common issues faced by gardeners, including wildlife, whether to water, pests, snails, and other issues. During the winter, Judith writes for local journals and newspapers, give talks at local horticultural clubs on a range of gardening topics. She also finds time to run a small business selling watercolor and pen and ink cards.