A Simple Guide to Saving Seeds at Home

Saving seeds is one of the most satisfying parts of gardening. It slows things down, deepens your connection to the plants you grow, and quietly closes the loop between one season and the next.

You don’t need specialist equipment or years of experience — just a little curiosity and a willingness to observe what’s happening in your garden.

Here’s a simple, practical guide to getting started.

All of the seeds at the bottom of this bucket came from just these 3 sunflower heads

Why Save Seeds?

Saving your own seeds allows you to:

• Grow plants that are already adapted to your garden

• Reduce waste and reliance on store-bought seeds

• Save money over time

• Preserve favourite varieties

• Build a deeper connection to your garden

It’s one of the easiest ways to make your garden more self-sufficient and intentional.

What Seeds Are Easiest to Start With

If you’re new to seed saving, start simple. These plants produce seeds that are easy to collect and store:

• Tomatoes

• Beans and peas

• Lettuce

• Basil

• Calendula

• Cosmos

• Sunflowers

These plants don’t require special techniques and tend to produce seeds reliably.

When to Collect Seeds

Seeds are ready when the plant has finished flowering and the seed heads or fruits have fully matured.

Look for:

• Dry seed heads that rattle when shaken

• Pods that have turned brown and brittle

• Fruits that are fully ripe or slightly overripe

If you’re unsure, waiting a little longer is usually better than harvesting too early.

How to Collect Seeds

1. Choose healthy, disease-free plants.

2. Let seeds mature fully on the plant.

3. Harvest on a dry day to avoid moisture issues.

4. Gently remove seeds and brush off excess plant material.

5. Lay them out in a dry, well-ventilated space for several days to fully dry.

Avoid rushing this step — moisture is the biggest cause of seed failure.

Storing Your Seeds

Once completely dry:

• Store seeds in paper envelopes or small jars

• Label with the plant name and date

• Keep them somewhere cool, dark, and dry

Most seeds will keep well for at least one to two years if stored correctly.

A Gentle Reminder

Not every seed will grow — and that’s okay. Seed saving is about learning, observing, and working with nature rather than trying to control it.

Each season teaches you something new.

Why It Matters

Saving seeds helps build resilient gardens and deeper awareness of how plants grow and change. It encourages patience, attention, and respect for natural cycles — values that sit at the heart of a healthy garden.

Kat