Save Your Tomato Seeds ~ GreenThumb Thursday

I used to be terrified at the thought of collecting seeds from my garden crop and saving them for the next year.  Without even looking up exactly how this process works I blew it off as way too hard and way too time consuming.  Boy, was I wrong.  Thanks to Pinterest and The Back Yard Diva I am now an expert.  And you can be too!  Now go pick a nice ripe tomato and let's get to work!

Much to my surprise there are only 6 simple and easy steps to saving tomato seeds.  Ready?  Don't blink!  Here we go:

1.  Pick a beautiful ripe tomato.  Unripe seeds will not germinate.   

2.  Slice your tomatoes down the middle and scoop out the seeds into a bowl.  Add a bit of water to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and poke a couple holes into it (to allow for air circulation during the fermentation process).

Back Yard Diva

3.  Let your seeds sit out at room temperature for about a week, changing the water and stirring everyday.  Any seeds that float to the top aren't any good ~ so toss them out with the water change.

4. Strain your seeds and give them a really good rinse.  Don't leave any of that tomato-goo on your seeds.

5.  Leave your seeds to dry on a flat surface covered with wax paper for a few more days.  Don't rush this step as we don't want to store seeds that will mold.   

6.  Label an envelope and enclose your seeds.  Take it a step further and add a couple tablespoons of untreated cat littler to a few layers of tulle to make a sachet to help preserve your seeds.  Put your seed envelop and the moisture-absorbing sachet into a mason jar and your seeds will last for 4 years, or more!

Martha Stewart

Looking for a super easy and delicious salsa recipe?  Try my Restaurant Style Salsa ~ I include canning directions too just in case your garden happens to be overflowing with tomatoes!

Do you save any of your garden seeds?  Which ones?  Do you have any tips for us?  Don't be shy and leave a comment below  =)