Seeds, seeds everywhere

If you're like me, you probably haven't even noticed them before....but there are seed pods everywhere! For several years now, I have been starting most of my annuals and vegetables from seed. A few years ago, I started to notice that some of my annuals were growing back the next spring. I realized that they must be reseeding themselves. Around the same time, I read an article about people who harvest their own seeds to use for the next growing season. It never occurred to me that such a thing was possible. Needless to say, I just had to try it! I thought it would be a fun way to save money and try experimenting with different ways of growing my favorite annuals from seed. So I set out to the garden to start collecting seeds. It's amazing that I never used to notice seed pods in my garden before. But once you see them, you will find that they are everywhere! Especially this time of year. So many that it can be overwhelming. You will find that not only are they on your annuals, but on a lot of your perennials too! So why not get out there and get busy collecting seeds to start for next year (and to trade with friends)? Grab a few baggies and some clippers and get out there this week. You will be amazed by what you find! Pretty soon you will be out in the woods or in your friends garden collecting seeds. I even collect seeds from other places when I travel. :-)

Tips for collecting seeds:

• You will know the seeds are ready to harvest if they are brown and look dried out. Pods may be split open and seeds will come out easily.
  
• Collect the seeds/pods from each plant in a separate baggie or plastic bowl.
• Bring some paper and a pen with you so you can label the seeds as you collect them.
• Bring them inside, break apart the seed pod and let the seeds/pod dry out for a few days. (I like to lay them out on a paper towel or paper plate.) Just make sure you remove them from plastic or they might mold. (you can do this in the garage, the cold won't harm them)
• Once they are completely dried out, remove the remaining seeds from the pod and store them. You can store them in plastic baggies or paper envelopes.
• You can collect seeds as long as the weather cooperates (even in the snow!).

Here is a list of some of the easiest seeds to collect and grow:
Annuals:

• Marigolds
• Sunflowers
• Snapdragons
• Petunias
• Moss rose
• Zinnia
• Cosmos
• Morning Glory

Perennials:

• Balloon flower
• Hibiscus
• Hollyhock
• Black Eyed Susan
• Lambs Ear
• Butterfly weed

In this picture (though not very clear) you can see the seed pods of the Marigold plant. The pods that are ready to harvest are brown.










This is a picture of marigold seeds that I extracted from a seed pod.














And here is a picture of seed pods on a hardy hibiscus, you can see the seeds in the pods if you look closely.













I don't know about you, but I will be busy over the next several weeks collecting seeds from my garden. Happy collecting!