PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE – SECTION 15.
SEEDS, PLANT NURSERIES & ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
Farmers have bred and tended crops for more than 12,000 years. Slowly, with careful selection of the best plants to save their seeds, farmers have improved wild plants into the valuable crops we consume and recognise today.
* Seed saving – collection and exchange
* Seed companies (buy from small, non-hybridized stock)
* Perennialising annuals how to reduce the need for seeds (see GMO crops, below)
* Seed legislation (P.V.R. in IJ.S.; U.P.O.V. in Europe)
* Need for specialised permaculture nurseries for rare and unusual plants, e.g. bamboo, palm, cacti; and for forage species e.g. pampas grass, tagasaste, Coprosma
Many seed companies buy their seeds from overseas and rarely produce any varieties themselves. As we’ve seen in Pest Management, gardeners and farmers should source local seeds to give the best chance of pest resilience.
Seeds grown in your local region create locally-adapted varieties of those plants. Each region has unique factors concerning disease, pests, humidity, temperature, and soil conditions. Locally grown varieties adapt for those specific, local factors.
The more generations a plant’s seeds are saved and grown in the same region, the healthier and better that plant will grow in that specific area. If we want food that is climate-resilient, we need to put in the work to increase biodiversity in plants.
(Left) Highly recommended ‘The Seed Savers Handbook’, click through to Amazon.
(Right) Certified organic since 1993, Greenpatch Organic Seeds & Plants at Old Bar, Mid North Coast, NSW are permaculture seed savers extraordinaire. Greenpatch founders, Neville & Sophia, strongly support growing crops without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilisers. Their Organic, Non-hybrid,Open Pollinated, Heritage Seeds catalogue is extensive.
In the past, farmers and gardeners saved their seeds for the next season. These locally-grown, pest and climate resilient seeds were shared with friends, family, and the local community. Today there are barriers to saving seeds:
- Seed saving skills have not continued to be widely shared and taught
- Seeds that are sourced from other countries or regions make them less adapted for the climate where they will be grown
- Corporate Patents prevent seeds from being legally saved and shared
- Traditional seeds that belong to Indigenous communities were taken away
We have seen countless heirloom varieties of plants lost over time; and unless we save the seeds and plant for even one or two generations, then that specific variety will be lost forever.
Seed Saving Exchanges have saved thousands of rare heirlooms from extinction by connecting with new seed stewards to carry on seed saving traditions to the next generation.
Seed Savers Exchange started in Missouri in 1975 by Kent & Diane Ott Whealy sharing seeds within a small group of people. Their collection of heirloom seeds has grown steadily into the USA’s largest nongovernmental seed bank of its kind – more than 25,000 varieties.
In 1986, Bill Mollison encouraged his friends Michel & Jude Fanton to start The Seed Savers’ Network in Australia. Seed Savers have formed a Local Seed Network with groups all around the country.
The last few years have made it more difficult to source seeds. As cost of living rises, weather events become more extreme and pandemics force people into isolation, more people have started growing their own food which has put extra demand on seed distributors.
A Guide to Saving Herb and Vegetable Seeds
In a world increasingly concerned about sustainability and self-sufficiency, saving herb and vegetable seeds is a valuable skill. It not only preserves plant biodiversity but also saves money and ensures a continuous supply of fresh produce. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of saving herb and vegetable seeds, helping you become a more self-reliant and eco-conscious gardener.
Why Save Seeds?
- Cost-Effective: Purchasing seeds every year can add up quickly. By saving your seeds, you can significantly reduce your gardening expenses.
- Preserving Biodiversity: Many heirloom and open-pollinated varieties of herbs and vegetables are disappearing as commercial growers prioritize uniformity. Saving seeds of these unique plants helps preserve genetic diversity.
- Self-Sufficiency: Learning to save seeds empowers you to become more self-sufficient in your gardening endeavors. You won’t rely solely on seed companies for your garden’s success.
- Adaptation: Over time, saved seeds can adapt to your specific growing conditions, resulting in plants that are better suited to your local climate and soil.
- Educational: Seed saving offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of plant biology and ecology, making you a more knowledgeable gardener.
Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of saving herb and vegetable seeds.
Step 1: Choose Suitable Plants
Not all plants are equally suited for seed saving. Start with open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, as these plants reliably produce seeds that will grow true to the parent plant. Avoid hybrid plants, as their seeds may not retain the desired characteristics.
Step 2: Harvest at the Right Time
To save viable seeds, you must harvest them at the correct stage of maturity. For herbs like basil or cilantro, allow the plant to flower and develop seeds. For vegetables like tomatoes or peppers, allow the fruits to fully ripen on the plant.
Step 3: Extract Seeds
Different herbs and vegetables require different methods for extracting seeds:
- Dry Seeds: These include seeds like basil, cilantro, and lettuce. Allow the seed pods or fruit to dry on the plant before harvesting. Once dry, remove the seeds and store them in a dry place.
- Wet Seeds: These seeds, like those from tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash, are encased in a gel-like substance. To extract them, scoop out the seeds, place them in a container, and add water. Allow the mixture to ferment for a few days, stirring daily. The viable seeds will sink to the bottom; rinse and dry them.
Step 4: Dry Seeds Thoroughly
Proper drying is essential to prevent mold and ensure seed viability. Spread the seeds out on a clean, dry surface, such as a paper plate or screen, in a well-ventilated area. Stir or shuffle them occasionally to ensure even drying. This process may take several days to a few weeks, depending on humidity levels.
Step 5: Label and Store Seeds
After thoroughly drying your seeds, it’s crucial to label them with the plant’s name and the date of collection. Use small, airtight containers, like glass jars or seed envelopes, to store the seeds. Place a desiccant packet or rice in the container to absorb any remaining moisture. Store your seeds in a cool, dark, and dry location to maximize their longevity.
Step 6: Test Seed Viability
To ensure that your saved seeds are viable, you can perform a simple germination test before planting them. Place a few seeds on a damp paper towel, fold it, and keep it in a warm place. Check regularly for germination, and note the percentage that sprouts. If the germination rate is low, consider using more seeds when planting.
Step 7: Maintain Genetic Purity
If you’re saving seeds from multiple varieties of the same species, take measures to prevent cross-pollination. This can be achieved by isolating different varieties using physical barriers like row covers or by staggering planting times to ensure they don’t flower simultaneously.
Step 8: Record Keeping
Maintain a gardening journal or spreadsheet to track your seed-saving efforts. Note the plant’s variety, collection date, germination rate, and any observations about the plant’s performance. This record will help you make informed decisions in the future.
Step 9: Share and Trade Seeds
Seed saving is also an excellent way to engage with your gardening community. Consider sharing or trading your saved seeds with fellow gardeners. This promotes biodiversity and encourages the exchange of unique plant varieties.
Step 10: Learn and Adapt
Every garden and seed-saving experience is unique. Learn from your successes and failures, and adapt your techniques to suit your local conditions. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the plants you grow and save seeds from.
Why Save Seeds? Conclusion
Saving herb and vegetable seeds is a rewarding and sustainable practice that empowers you to take control of your garden, save money, and contribute to the preservation of plant biodiversity.
By following these steps and continuously learning from your experiences, you can become a skilled seed saver, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
So, roll up your sleeves, start saving seeds, and watch your garden thrive with the fruits of your labor.
How long will seeds be viable?
All seeds will be viable for one to two years, after that, germination rates will drop for many types of seeds and will eventually fall to zero. Aim to use saved seeds within a year, as older seeds do not germinate as well and are not as vigorously.
Stocking up on seeds for an “emergency” doesn’t work because they don’t last forever.
How to store seeds
It is important to keep seeds dry and cool so that they will remain viable until the next season.
Individual seed varieties or types can be stored in paper envelopes and placed inside a tightly sealed glass container.
The ideal storage temperature is between 32° and 41°F, making a refrigerator an excellent option for seed storage. To address potential humidity issues inside containers, adding a desiccant can be beneficial.
The small packets of silica-gel found in pill bottles or some food packaging will absorb moisture and keep seeds dry. Alternatively, silica-gel can be found in craft supply stores or powdered milk wrapped in tissue or cheese cloth can be used.
Label seeds before you put them into storage. At minimum, write the name, variety and the date you collected them. You can add a note about the best time to plant the seed, and keep packets of seeds together that are planted around the same time.
We keep seed packets together that are sown directly into the garden, and those that need to be planted in tubes and raised to a seedling before being transplanted into place, to make the sowing season easier to organise.
Next – Permaculture – Alternative economics of rural settlements
Permaculture Design Certificate course index
You’ve caught us moving the Permaculture Design Certificate PDC course into our new website. More stories and content coming in the next week …
19. Wildlife Management & Pest Control
* Integrated Pest Management
* Herbs and Plants That Repel Insects
* Use of Animals in Pest Control
20. Seed Saving (you are here)
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