Seed Saving 101: How to Harvest and Store Your Own Garden Seeds

August 15, 2025

Seed saving is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. It’s more than just a money-saver — it’s a way to grow plants perfectly adapted to your garden’s soil, climate, and care. Plus, it connects you to generations of gardeners who have passed down seeds for centuries.

Whether you’re collecting tomatoes, beans, peppers, marigolds, or basil, the process is simple once you know the basics.

Why Save Your Own Seeds?

Save Money – No need to buy seed packets every spring.
Preserve Varieties – Keep heirlooms alive and thriving.
Adapt to Your Garden – Seeds from your healthiest plants will produce stronger plants in your conditions.
Share the Love – Trade seeds with friends, neighbors, or at local swaps.

When to Harvest Seeds

The most important rule? Let seeds fully mature before harvesting.

Dry Seeds (beans, peas, lettuce, marigolds, sunflowers): Wait until seed pods or flower heads are completely brown and dry on the plant.
Wet Seeds (tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers): Wait until the fruit is fully ripe — often past eating stage — then scoop seeds from the inside.

How to Harvest & Save Seeds

1. Choose Your Best Plants
Select the healthiest, most productive plants to ensure strong genetics in the next generation.

2. Collect Seeds at Maturity

Dry method: Remove seed heads or pods and shake or gently crush to release seeds.
Wet method: Scoop seeds from fruit, rinse, and dry thoroughly.

3. Clean Your Seeds
Remove debris, chaff, or pulp to prevent mold and improve storage life.

4. Dry Seeds Completely
Spread seeds in a single layer on a plate or screen in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. This may take several days to a week.

5. Store Properly
Place in paper envelopes or small glass jars. Always label with plant name and harvest year. Store in a cool, dark, and dry location.

Lainey’s Top 3 Seed Saving Tips

Dry is Key – Even slightly damp seeds can mold and spoil.
Label Everything – A mystery seed mix isn’t nearly as fun in the spring as you think it will be.
Test Germination – Before planting next year, sprout 10 seeds on a damp paper towel to check viability.

Seed Longevity (If stored correctly)

1 year: Onion, parsley
2–3 years: Beans, peas, carrots
4–5 years: Tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, marigolds
6+ years: Lettuce, brassicas (broccoli, kale, cabbage)

Start Small, Grow Big

If you’re new to seed saving, begin with easy crops like beans, peas, lettuce, or marigolds. They require little processing and store well. As you gain confidence, you can branch out into more challenging seeds like squash, cucumbers, or biennial crops such as carrots and beets.