Someone questioned why I would ferment squash seeds* but from Google it seems to be a good idea? I get many results on fermenting squash seeds as a way of saving them.

(* It was a misunderstanding, I didn't have squash seeds)

A great event held in Decorah Iowa, by the Seed Savers Exchange. Great event, lots of wonderful seeds for trade. Let's the 2025 season begin!

Today I am sorting seeds collected last fall and for the first time ever I included sulphur cinquefoil which always cheers up my field and I want more. I tend to smell everything for fun and delight and I was floored at the incredible sweetness of these seeds! Reminds me of holy basil leaves. Googling got me nowhere so I came to ask the experts! Anyone else encounter this? Do you suppose it smells so good because I have yet to separate the seeds from the pods and THAT is what actually smells?

seeds and pods

So, about 6 years ago I saved some butternut squash seeds from the ones I got at my local organic farm.

Now inspite of the age, which may be a factor for not to grow them.

Will these be ok to use? Or can butternut squashes cross contaminate? Causing a weird hybrid squash?

Or will they be fine?

These just aren't falling off ... Are the immature ?

Was planning to harvest turnip, leek and bean seed this week as they are all just coming ready. Had quite a hard frost tonight though. Will this affect viability?

I live in Michigan and am looking into the idea of starting to sell flower seeds from seeds I’ve saved myself. I eventually want to offer curated “collections” or my own mixes of various flower seeds. I know there is a lot of regulation and laws around seeds and trademarked varieties, etc. and am having a hard time finding information that applies to what I’d want to ultimately do. I’m not looking at breeding new varieties or anything, I just want to offer different mixes than what’s typically available or curated “collections” of seeds that maybe include multiple sun requirements but fit a theme, color themes, medicinal themes, etc. Even though this would be small scale at first, I’d love to develop the idea into an actual livelihood and so even though I could probably sneak under the radar doing it on a small scale, I’d love to know the correct way things need to be done so no one sues me lol or I don’t end up with a dumb fine or something.

Any and all advice or links would be appreciated 😄

Grown in zone 4a in Northern Wisconsin. Looking for trades for other heirloom beans

Found about this many in a high traffic area of our home. Doesn’t quite look like mouse poop but definitely could be. What do you think?

I saved these seeds from some pumpkins i grew and I must not have let them dry out enough cause the started to mold once I put them away. As soon as I noticed, I took them out and spread them out. Will thethey be able to germinate next year or should I just scrap them and collect new seeds?

How do you identify and save the seeds from Firework Gomphrena? I can't seem to find them. Or is this variety sterile?

Is there a way I can test these to see if they’re viable to replant next year?

New to seed saving. I'm hoping to save some beans for seed this fall. I have some beans I've just finished picking and many are over ripe for eating. How long might I expect to wait before they are mature enough to harvest/dry for seed saving?

Forget me nots O:) love these little sweeties

Anybody have experience saving seeds from a hybrid cherry tomato? I got these plants called Cherry Baby at a charity nursery (UK). I grew them outdoors and they are loaded with fabulous tomatoes that don't split.

I've talked with several farmers/gardeners at a small scale and it seems that many don't save seeds. Why don't many save seeds, particularly heirloom seeds? I know cross-pollination is an issue with heirlooms but how significant is that and what are some ways to prevent that? I'm doing a research project about seed saving for preserving biodiversity. Are there any gaps in process to save seeds that are frustrating or difficult i.e. extracting seeds from inside plants, from bolting plants, difficulties storing, etc. I'm looking to create engineering solutions for small-scale farmers to save heirloom seeds!

Thank you!

Are the ones on the left "over dried", or are they just a different variety than the right? Thanks!

My friend gave me a vase of cut zinnias, is it possible to save seeds from cut flowers or do they need to go to seed on the plant?

I want to expand out on the types of seeds I collect from my flower garden, as we head into the fall months. I'm quickly finding out though that I'm not very organized and need a better storage solution.

What system or products do y'all recommend for storing seeds and keeping them organized?