Time to plant
By Jonathan van Wiltenburg
A question that comes up often is how to harvest seeds from current harvests. Recently, the request was about a "perfect" tomato.
Q. I have a really nice tomato that grew exceptionally well this season and I was wondering if I could save seed from it? If so, how do I do that?
The first thing to think about it is whether or not the tomato is hybrid or open pollinated cultivar. Hybrid cultivars are bred for excellent characteristics and are usually sweet heavy producers. However seeds saved from hybrids may not be viable or if they are, will not grow into the same tomato that you have fallen in love with this season.
Open-pollinated varieties on the other hand will produce viable seeds and fruit that resemble their parents. If you do plan on saving seed in the future, it is a good idea to choose and grow open pollinated varieties. Many great seed houses now exclusively supply open-pollinated varieties.
Generally you can tell if the tomato you are growing is a hybrid by looking at the tag or seed pack. If it has a F1 or F2 then it is a hybrid. If the variety has an OP then it is open-pollinated. Most of the heritage varieties are open-pollinated. If you are unsure, do a little internet sleuthing--it should be fairly easy to find out if your tomato is hybrid or not.
Saving Tomato Seed
Equipment needed: Labelled jar, newspaper/paper towel, labelled envelope or packet.
1. Select a perfect specimen (no disease or blemishes). Usually one or two tomatoes will give enough seed to supply your entire extended family.
2. Cut tomato in a cross section fashion (same way as to get a star on an apple).
3. With fingers, scrape out pulp/seeds into a jar. Add water until jar is half full and cover.
4. Label with name, date and a brief description of the tomato. Set the jar aside until a mouldy scum develops on top of water (usually four to five days).
5. Once "scummed" take jar and add fresh water. Pour off the water. The good seeds will sink and the bad will float. Repeat this process until seeds and water being poured off is clean and free of debris.
6. Once clean, place seeds in sieve to remove excess water.
7. Transfer damp seeds and spread onto a labelled piece of newspaper or paper towel.
8. Move and let sit in dry area until seeds are completely dry.
9. Once dry the seeds are ready for next year. Transfer to package and store in cool dry place until early spring.
Top tasks for September
· Harvest, harvest, harvest. Preserve, preserve, preserve.
· Plant out and sow the last of your winter garden. Sow lettuce, spinach, endive, cilantro, corn salad, and arugula. Although it is too late to start many of the other winter veggies from seed (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, rutabaga) you can pick them up at a nursery and still plant them out for the winter.
· Cover up your tomato plants to protect them from tomato blight.
· If you are clearing your garden, sow a cover crop to prevent nutrient leeching. Fall rye, winter wheat, red clover, hairy vetch, or field peas are all great options.
· Start the important task of adding mulch to the garden.
· Save some seed for next year. It is cheaper, and over time will give you stronger plants for your specific growing region. Also they can be traded at the local seed exchange in the spring.
· Don't forget to harvest and dry some herbs.
Jonathan van Wiltenburg has a degree inhorticulture and runs Eden Horticulture Services. He can be reached at edenhort@gmail.com.
