This article looks at the ways you can save money on seeds with just a little effort.
Co-authored by Jebo
As a grower, something I often think about is how to make my operation cheaper and more efficient. Things like raised beds, wheelbarrows, and greenhouses can be expensive (and I usually buy them used or get creative with materials I already own), but at least they last. The problem with plants is that many need to be sown every year, and buying new seeds and bulbs can be a hefty investment, especially for subsistence farmers who may not be expecting a profit at the end of the season.
With this in mind, let’s look at some of the ways you can minimise the costs of seeds, either by harvesting them from your own plants and storing them properly or by getting involved with your local community!
In my mind, one of the coolest things about plants is their ability to multiply. Although this does mean I’m forever pulling weeds, it can bring some fun surprises – last year, I found a young tomato plant growing in a crack in the concrete next to my outhouse! I carefully eased it out, keeping as much of the roots as possible, and planted it in the soil, where it grew wonderfully. As the saying goes, “life finds a way.”
Plants have a great ability to seed themselves ready for the next year, and you can take advantage of this. If you have a plant that produces seeds inside its fruits – think peppers, tomatoes, berries, and cucumbers – you can reserve some of the seeds to avoid buying them again.
When you come to use your produce, simply remove the seeds, rinse them well to remove any remaining bits that could cause your seeds to rot, and then leave them to dry. This is important, because if your seeds remain damp for long enough, they will start to germinate, and you will have to use them right away.
Once your seeds are dry, store them somewhere cool, dark, and dry. I like to use small envelopes, as they are easy to label and store. Most seeds will easily last a year like this, although it depends on the plant – corn and onion seeds are only likely to last about six months, so plan accordingly, whereas seeds from cucurbits, like cucumbers and melons, can last up to six years! However, for most plants, you’re looking at a year or two of good storage, with older seeds becoming less likely to germinate as time goes on.
Lots of plants – especially leafy ones, like lettuces and must cruciferous vegetables – do not contain seeds in the produce itself. Many of these plants will flower if they are left too long before harvest, and these flowers will usually turn to seed pods.
These pods will dry as the plant reaches the end of its lifespan, and you should be able to hear the seeds rattling inside when they’re ready. Once you get to this point, you can break open the dried seed pod and store the seeds as you would any others. You can also use this for lots of beans – once the beans are dried, you can plant them.
Sometimes, this method can be a little unreliable, as some seed pods have a tendency to split as they dry. One useful tip is to get a lightweight bag, made of something like fine mesh or organza, and gently fasten it over the pod. If it bursts, the seeds will fall into the bag, instead of scattering on the ground.
It’s worth noting that, for many vegetables, letting the plant develop seed pods will mean sacrificing the produce, so plant some extras to make sure you still get a good harvest.
In a similar vein, plenty of plants will self-seed if you leave them to it. If you’re planning to grow the same things in the same places next year, it could be worth letting one or two plants in the area go to seed or drop a couple of fruits. You will probably find that the same plants appear next year. However, this isn’t quite as reliable or precise as sowing seeds yourself, so it would still be wise to reserve some seeds as a backup.
It’s also a great idea to look at your local community for resources. Some areas offer seedbanks, often on a loan-and-return system; you “borrow” a certain amount of seeds and then return the same amount of seeds at the end of the season, harvested from your plants, plus a little more on top. Although you have to give back more than you initially borrowed, you still get to keep your produce and any extra seeds you collected, so it’s still worth trying.
Alternatively, you could get together with your neighbours and create your own seed-sharing programme, where you grow different crops and share your excess seeds at the end of the season. Not only is this a good way to keep your seed supplies strong, but it can also help you to develop stronger ties with local farmers, which can be vital if you ever need some support with your growing.
We hope this article has given you some ideas on ways to collect and store seeds. Whether you remove them from the fruits, let your plants go to seed, or take a hands-off approach and allow them to self-seed, you’re sure to save money and secure yourself produce for the years to come. Share them, save them, plant them, or do all three! And remember to share your results with us on social media by searching for @AgroyeMedia.
Megan Diehl is a dedicated writer who loves to explore the world of food and agriculture, sharing insights that connect people to the roots of their sustenance. When she isn't writing, Megan can usually be found cooking for her family, creating textile art and gardening.
