How to Save Tomato Seeds
Collecting some wisdom on the topic took a lot of patience and time. So, I decided to share my experience and everything I learned. I’ll start by explaining why to save tomato seeds. Then, I’ll explain how to save tomato seeds. Keep on reading to find all the information you need!
Until recently, I had no experience (or wish) planting tomatoes in my garden. Getting used to the tomatoes found in my local store was as good as it got for me. I started focusing on creating my garden and planting various plants, including herbs, vegetables, and fruits. It was time to give the tomatoes a go!
Why tomatoes?
Tomatoes are one of the best fresh produce on the planet. They are juicy, slightly acidic, and filled with antioxidants and other essential nutrients. Although they’re considered a plant that grows slowly. It takes about eight weeks to become workable seedlings. They come bearing incredible fruits! Tomatoes are considered plants that grow slowly. It takes about eight weeks for them to become workable seedlings. Nonetheless, they come bearing incredible fruits! After the seedling becomes workable, it takes at least another two months for the plant to produce ripe fruit. Naturally, this varies based on the type of tomato you want to plant. For example, beefsteak tomatoes grow slower than cherry or pear tomatoes.
If you are a beginner, here are a few reasons why you should plant some tomatoes:
- You are developing a new, exciting skill;
- You are confident that the seeds will thrive in your area;
- You will always have a bundle of seeds to keep;
- You can also start learning about planting other plants and enjoy all the benefits of growing your food. (find a list of more homesteading skills to learn here)
If you are a first-time gardener, here are a few helpful articles. Before starting seed saving, you should also read more about growing tomatoes.
Best Tips for Growing Tomatoes
Top Reasons For Tomato Leaf Curling
4 Ways to Save & Ripen Green Tomatoes
Overall, even if the process takes longer, the joy of harvesting your tomatoes is incomparable. It is a feeling that can’t be described with words. Here is how to save tomato seeds from being can be planted again.
Saving tomato seeds guide
Once I got the hang of it, it was easy to start saving seeds, storing them, planting them, etc. Reading this, you already have all the tools for it. So, why don’t you consider making your little tomato family today?
1. Types of seeds—You should consider several types of seeds. Choosing the right seeds will make your tomato gardening experience easy and fruitful.
- Open-pollinated seeds are pollinated naturally, meaning that birds, bees, and wind are involved. This also means they are self-pollinated as well. Because the tomato plants have completely formed flowers, they have male and female parts. They can pollinate themselves, making the process more accessible for people planting them for the first time. You should plant heirlooms for many reasons, and seed saving is just one.
- GMO and hybrid seeds are created in a lab that doesn’t bear fruits yearly. For that reason, you need to repurchase new ones every season.
2. When to harvest them—Remember to harvest a ripe tomato specifically for seed saving. Keeping the tomato longer than usual is essential. This ensures your seeds are of the best quality. It allows the seeds to mature inside the tomato.
3. Why you should ferment tomato seeds – To save tomato seeds, ferment them. This will produce good seeds and prevent mold growth. The gel around the seeds stops sprouting inside the tomatoes. Fermentation preserves the seeds and prevents harmful bacteria.
The slimy stuff around tomato seeds is known as a locular gel. This gel prevents the seeds from sprouting from inside the tomato. Speeding up the process of seed saving begins with the fermentation process. This is when you will guarantee the seeds are preserved, and no harmful bacteria grow on them.
Saving and storing seeds
4. How to save tomato seeds – first, pick the best and the brightest tomatoes you can find. This step is essential. The seeds you will choose from these tomatoes will replicate the ones you hold in your hands. You will need some instruments on how to store tomato seeds; please see below:
- You will need the tomatoes
- A knife and a cutting board
- Some water and a jar
- Wire mesh sieve and paper plate
- Envelope or a seed storage container
After you slice the tomatoes and put the seeds in a jar, cover them in a bright place. Let them ferment overnight. Depending on the temperature in your home, this process can take up to three days.
Once this is finished, fill the jar with water almost to the top, close it, and shake it. This way, the seed will detach from the pulp. Remove all the seeds that float to the surface. They are not healthy. Put the jar back for another 24 hours. Shake the jar again, and drain the seeds through a wire mesh sieve. Put them on a paper plate to dry out completely.
5. How to store tomato seeds—After you finish the latest step, store them in an envelope. Label the type and date. Keep them until you are ready to start your seeds next gardening season. Keep them in a cool and dry area, away from any sunlight. This is how you can make them last two years and stay workable for planting.
More tips on tomatoes
How to save tomato seeds is easy, but focusing on which type can be tricky. I recommend choosing heirloom tomato varieties to make the job easier. At the same time, you are scooping up the seeds from the best tomatoes you have. You don’t need to throw the rest of the tomatoes away. Use them for a stew. Alternatively, create a lovely tomato paste or sauce.
I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to share your opinion in the comment section below. You can also ask anything there.
