Skip buying the seed packet next year.
Getty Images/Uma Shankar sharma
Transport yourself back to the beginning of summer.
A few months later, and one of your tomato plants is going above and beyond.
Credit:Getty Images/Uma Shankar sharma
The best way to do that is to start your own heirloom tomato operation at home.
Yes, that means saving the seeds from your tomato plant and sowing them again next year.
Why Should You Save Tomato Seeds?
Credit:Getty Images/Steven Giles
There are two obvious advantages to saving tomato seeds.
The first is that you won’t have to buy tomato seeds again next year.
Tomato seed packets may not be expensive, but why buy them if you don’t have to?
“When you find a fruit that meets your criteria, that’s the tomato for seed-saving.
Do this every season over a lifetime and youll be sure to have something special.
Thats why they call them ‘heirlooms.'”
Here’s exactly how to harvest the seeds for a successful tomato season the next year.
“The most important factors when saving tomato seeds are proper drying and storage.
It is imperative that the seed is completely dry before it goes into storage,” says Hughey.
“They need to be dried in a warm, dry and well-ventilated space.”
While this may not damage the seeds, it’s best not to take that risk.
They’ll be right there waiting for you the next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tomato seeds have a long shelf life.
They can last up to a decade or even longer if stored in a cool, airtight spot.
Under less than ideal conditions, you might expect closer to five years.
Unfortunately saving seeds from hybrid tomato varieties is rarely successful.
The research, however, shows that there may not be a need.
To test seed viability, put them in a glass of water for 15 minutes.
If they sink, they’re viable.
If they float, they’re probably not viable.
Generally, you should only save seeds from tomatoes that have been openly pollinated.
Store-bought tomatoes are generally hybrids, which are less reliable for harvesting seeds.
