Learn to save your ‘heirloom’ seeds
With proper care, a so-called heirloom seed can last for years. How to care for them without destroying their characteristics is the question.
On Thursday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Fort Myers recreation Center, the Edible Gardening Exchange will hear from this month’s guest Cory Dombrowski, South Florida area manager and assistant watermelon product manager for Sakata Seeds of Fort Myers.
He will provide insight on how to save seeds for future generations, or at least next season.
“Gardeners can save seeds from their garden and propagate the varieties they would like to save. You can keep it from getting crossed with something you don’t want it crossed with and how to grow the seed, extract the seed from the fruit, clean it and store it,” Dombrowski said.
Karen Harty, who runs the Edible Gardening Exchange, defines an heirloom seed is a hand-me-down type plant that your grandmother grew and saved the seeds for her daughter.
“I use the word ‘heirloom’ to attract people and as a way to keep the lines of certain seeds alive,” Harty said.
Heirloom seeds are important because if companies don’t carry that particular type pf seed anymore, that variety could disappear, Harty said.
“Saving seeds are a way to preserve the line of a certain variety so it is preserved even if a company doesn’t sell it,” Harty said. “We’re even doing it in South Florida. Finding seeds of certain things is difficult. If you belong to a club, you can get seeds for them.”
Dombrowski said cross-pollination happens easily, especially if two forms of a certain vegetable are grown close together.
“The seed that results from those crosses won’t be the pure line you’re looking for. It will be a mix,” Dombrowski said. “You would have to do something to keep the bees out of the flower so it won’t cross.”
Squash and peppers are examples of plants that can easily get cross-pollinated, Dombrowski said, adding that some seeds can last for decades if stored properly, such as certain melons, while onions only last a few years.
Arrive at 5:30 p.m. for an open and informal chat on edible topics. Consider bringing something to share with other gardeners such as seeds, plants, a snack. Bring your own cup for free coffee and tea.
All fees are paid at the front desk. The membership fee for monthly meetings through March is $10. A Lee Parks and Rec lifetime membership card is also required which costs $10 per person.
For more information, contact Karen Harty at 610-530-8883.