Saving for the Future–September 11, 2013

From Sustainable CAPE’s Facebook page:

“Did you know you can save certain kinds of seeds to grow more of your favorite crops again next season? Heirloom tomato varieties (rather than hybrids, which will grow, but into goodness knows what) can be harvested at the peak of perfection, and their seeds saved for the future. We learned that each seed has a protective jello-y, gelatinous coating that must be removed before they can sprout into new plants. We started this process by squeezing the seeds out of the tomatoes and letting them ferment or mold over in a jar with water for a few days, then we can strain out the seeds to be dried and saved. It’s probably to keep the seeds from sprouting inside the tomato, we think!

It’s so easy, you can do it too, and have enough ‘cheery’ (cherry) seeds to share with your friends.”

After collecting the seeds, the kids watered all the plants on an 80° day. Then peppers, cucumbers and beans were harvested and eaten. Yum!