Saving Seeds for Next Year's Garden

Saving seeds is one of the oldest garden habits there is. It saves money and, over the years, gives you plants suited to your own backyard.

Start with easy crops

Beans, peas, tomatoes and lettuce are the simplest seeds to save.

Choose open-pollinated varieties

Heirloom and open-pollinated plants grow true from seed; most hybrids do not.

Let them ripen fully

Leave pods and fruit on the plant until they're fully mature.

Dry them well

Spread seeds on paper in a dry room for a week or two before storing.

Label and store cool

Paper envelopes in a jar in a cool, dark closet keep seeds good for years.