Anyone saving veg seed?

[jansman]

I have always saved some seed. However, a combination of Global uncertainty, and me being tight means I am harvesting seed. Various beans, peas, lettuce, spinach, artichokes. Might even have a little to trade.
Anyone else save seed? Do you think it is worth it?

[preppingsu]

I definitely think this is an important skill when looking at self sufficency. If tshtf then we will need the skills and knowledge to continue to grow our own.
It also makes economic sense so you don't have to buy seed every year.

Unfortunately, due to poor crop in my garden I'm not sure what I'll be abe to save. Have some dried peas which I picked at the weekend. Leaving some runner beans n the plants a bit longer to 'fatten' up the beans/seeds.

I will save and dry any squash seeds.

By sadly that will be about it this year. Next year will be better!!!

[jansman]

Where gardening is concerned, we always have next year!

[preppingsu]

Should have added - trade is a good idea too. Something every prepping community should have set up.
Especially when looking to self sufficiency.

[jansman]

Might be an idea to set up a seed exchange?

[preppingsu]

Feel free jansman,
offer what you have and see what people will exchange or ask for seeds you would like. See what response you get.

Although this year it might just get people thinking and will actually happen next year after people have managed to save some seed!

[itsybitsy]

Might be an idea to set up a seed exchange?

I like that idea. Now I just need enough of a crop to be able to save some!

[Arzosah]

I haven't grown any veg this year, cos of health issues and moving etc. But I've just been practising seed saving - I now have chili seeds (from a supermarket chili), aquilegia and love in a mist from the garden (former is pretty, latter is pretty and can be used to flavour breads), lupin (I like it), poppy (again, flavouring breads). And rose hips are drying.

Working on it!

[Maddie_cat]

Be careful what seeds you save as a lot will not germinate.

Most seeds that you buy off the shelf are usually F1 hybrids (or even genetically modified) and their seeds are not designed to be harvested and re-used - especially out of fruit that you buy in the supermarkets. You are better off starting with a good base stock. I found this out the hard way!

I did buy a load of heritage seeds from The Real Seed Company but like a lot of us, my garden failed this year. I intend to re-stock this winter and will start my seed harvesting next year.

[Arzosah]

Oh, absolutely! The chili is an experiment - well, they're all experiments! I know the poppies and the nigella will germinate, because they're both, ahem, volunteers, a.k.a. weeds. The lupins, well, they were in the cottage garden where we rented this summer - no loss if they don't, but nice if they do. But a friend of mine has blogged about saving seed from a supermarket chili, and she's a professional at the growing lark - I just followed her instructions