Garden Detective

Now that you've enjoyed beautiful heirloom tomatoes all summer long, why not save some seeds for next year?

Here's the proper way to collect and save tomato seeds:

Select the most desirable tomato from the strongest, healthiest plants. Slice tomato in half and scoop out seeds. They be encased in a gelatinous liquid. Drop the seeds and goop into a glass jar and cover with water.

Cover the jar with a paper towel and secure it with a rubber band. This will allow air in and keep fruit flies and other airborne particles out. Place it in a warm spot. On top of the refrigerator is nice and cozy.

After a few days, fermentation will begin. Fermentation breaks down the germination-stalling gell that surrounds each seed. You'll notice mold forming on the surface, and the seeds separating from the pulp, which will float to the top. You might also notice some seeds floating on the surface; they're duds. Good, viable seeds will sink. When this has happened, pour off the liquid, mold, pulp and floating seeds, and spread the wet seeds from the bottom of the jar onto a paper plate to dry. Shake up the plate every day to promote even drying and prevent sticking. Store dry seeds in a paper envelope in the refrigerator.

Now that I've shared the right way, here's how I do it:

Click photo to learn how.