Which seed to save?
- Open-pollinated/heirloom: comes true next year.
- Hybrid (F1): a cross of two varieties; saved seed loses the original traits.
- GMO: genes altered in a lab — a different thing from hybrids.
Rules
- Two varieties of one species cross-pollinate; separate flowering times or save one variety per year.
- Save from many of your best plants to keep diversity.
- Let chili and brinjal ripen fully — seed from unripe fruit fails.
- Pick bean and pea pods when dry and brittle, not when dew-wet.
- Begin with annuals (beans, tomato, chili, gourds); carrots and cabbages set seed in year two.