IN THE GARDEN
Save, and swap,
your own seed
T
here's no doubt that
heirloom vegetables
often have a better
flavour and texture than
shop-bought modern hybrids.
However, because they are
still a relative novelty,
obtaining a regular supply of
seeds for your favourite
heirlooms from season to
season can be a challenge.
The good news, however, is
that, because they are open
pollenated, the seeds of
heirloom vegetables can be
saved at home, ensuring you
will always have a supply on
hand to keep your kitchen
stocked.
Seed saving is widely
practiced in many parts of the
world and it is easy to do.
Some species, such as
tomatoes, peppers and the
squashes, contain their seeds
in their fruit. To save the seed
allow a good shaped fruit to
ripen fully on the plant. Cut it
open and scrape the seeds
into a flat container.
Separate the seed from any
pith, fibre or flesh and set the
seed aside in a cool spot to
dry fully for a few days. You
can speed up the process by
drying the seed in a biltong
maker or food dryer. Don't
dry it in the sun.
Store the seed in an envelope
or bank bag, making sure to
label it fully.
For species that release their
seed from their flowers, such
as onions and carrots you will
have to allow at least one
plant to live an entire life
cycle. Perhaps set aside a few
plants at the end of the bed
for this purpose as you will
Continued on page 22
Seed swapping is a big phenomenon overseas. This event took place in
Brighton, UK, last year
From page 19
will choose the section for
South Africa – Summer
Rainfall.
One drawback is that the
vegetables are commonly
given their American names,
although to be fair to the site,
common alternative names
are given as well.
WEBSITE
The site also includes a
comment and queries form
where you can ask questions
relating to the different
species and have them
answered by experienced
growers in your region. This is
an open forum so there is
much advice to be found in
others’ responses.
21
www.sasmallholder.co.za