Seed saving is the practice of collecting, and storing, and growing out seed from one year to the next.
Key aspects of successful seed saving include
- Making sure that the collected seeds have been successfully pollinated (and not cross pollinated).
- Making sure that the seeds are collected at the right time when they are fully mature but not moldy or starting to decompose.
- Drying the seeds completely before storing.
- Storing seeds in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Planting the seeds while they are still vital and saving fresh seed on an ongoing basis.
Different plants require different techniques for pollination, seed collection and storage.