SAVING SEED

http://www.croptrust.org/GlobalSupplyFood/index2.html
This is a link for information about saving seeds in a seed bank in the Arctic. Also, a little about the huge variety of beans and rice. It has a very interesting information about screening seeds and seed banking in the Arctic. It made me realize the importance of saving seeds.

Did you know that if you save your own seeds, (peas for example), that they will become acclimated to this area and will become tougher (more resistant to frost) and earlier (have a shorter growing season)? Pretty interesting huh?

So after learning about the Arctic seed bank and how the seeds you save will be acclimated to this area, I decided to learn more about saving seeds. This is what I know so far:
1. You shouldn’t save seeds from Hybrid plants. More about this in a later post.
2. You can save the seed from Heirloom plants only if they are pollinated from the exact type of plant or self pollinating. More about this later too.
3. Decide before you plant which seeds you would like to save. This will determine how much you plant and the location. For example, to save bean seed, so you will plant the seed you want to save far away from any other bean plants. Mark the plants you want to save and choose not to pick any of the produce until it is time to harvest the seed.
4. Some seed saving is a two year process. For example, carrots are harvested the first year and then re-planted the second year. The second year the carrot will go to seed.
5. Lots of useful information about seed saving is available on the Internet. Search for more information about particular plants there.
6. Seed saving is exciting and learning to be self-reliant is a relief to me.
7. Heirloom plants may not be as attractive as Hybrids.
8. Heirlooms may not be as disease resistant as Hybrids.
9. Heirlooms usually taste better than Hybrids.
10. I have saved Cress seed for about 20 years, and it hasn’t failed me yet.

So, consider saving some of your seed this year. It will be interesting, plus save money too.