A Visit to Hidden Valley Garden Club

It is a bit of a drive for me to go to Hidden Valley, California unless you live there, it was worth the trip. This garden club is very active and enthusiastic about spreading the joy of gardening. If you live in the area I would suggest that you attend a meeting and see if you would enjoy it also. Information on where to find the club to follow later.

My reason for attending is they were having a lecture by Master Gardner Gabrielle O’Neill about seeds and seed storage. Well I learned that I have now picked up some bad habits that are killing my seeds. You do not store the seeds in an area that is humid, warm or has light, all of which I started to do.

Do not leave you seeds in the greenhouse, which am presently doing. This is logical, and in the past I stored my seeds in paper bags and in the basement. Well for the last few months I started using the bottom shelf in my greenhouse. I think that is because I have become lazy, probably just not thinking. This is going to stop right now.

Darn, I believe I have ruined a lot of seeds.

The best way is to pick most of the seeds as they have dried or over ripened to rotten, on the vine. After gathering the dried pods or rotted flesh (dark brown) of the vegetable, thoroughly dry the seeds at least 6 weeks, and then label an envelope with the seed name, variety, and date. With tomatoes you let them ferment 3-4 days scoop out mold wash seeds and then dry on a paper.

Then put the envelope along with others you have collected in a glass jar and store in a cool place. Be sure when you open the jar, it will not collect any moisture before closing it again.