How to Make Your Own Seeds for Gardening

Overview

Harvesting seeds after you have harvested your vegetables is economical and rewarding; however, while vegetable seeds are not difficult to collect, growing the "parent plant" can be challenging. Plant a simple garden of self-pollinating vegetables, or go the extra mile to isolate vegetables that may cross-pollinate. Certain vegetables must be separated by several feet or more to prevent any cross-pollination, which may make seeds that are not viable. Once you have planned and planted your garden, you'll find making your own vegetable seeds a very enriching experience.

Step 1

Allow fruit on your non-hybrid plants to over-ripen. Spinach and lettuces need to go to seed. If there is danger of frost, pull up the plant and hang it to dry in a cool, dry location.

Step 2

Place the pulp and seeds of cucumbers or tomatoes in a jar with a little water. Let the pulp ferment and grow a fungus, which will eat the seed protection as well as prevent seed disease.

Step 3

Pour off the water, pulp and any floating seeds from the jar. Place viable seeds on a paper towel to dry.

Step 4

Scoop out the seeds of pepper, squash and melons to place them on a paper towel or newspaper to dry.

Step 5

Remove the seeds of peas, radishes, beans, lettuce, spinach and corn (from the pod, stalk or cob) by hand after these seeds have dried.

Step 6

Store seeds in resealable plastic bags in a cool, dry place.