Drying Rack For Saving Seeds

Saving seeds from your garden can be fun to try for next year’s garden. “But” you may be in for a surprise when you use modern day hybrids that can revert back to their original characteristics or may be cross-pollinated with other varieties in your garden to produce unpredictable results. If you have room in your garden to experiment, give it a try. Below is a project for making a rack for cleaning and drying your seeds.

(We will have more on this topic of saving seeds at a later date.)

Materials Needed: Embroidery hoop 8” * Tulle about 12” square (Bridal veil fabric) Scissors Ruler Storage bags or tightly sealed containers Permanent marker and tape

* A larger size hoop can also be used. To find an inexpensive hoop check out your local thrift store.

Instructions:

1) Cut tulle 4 inches larger than embroidery hoop size.

2) Place tulle fabric over inner hoop. Press outer hoop over inner hoop to stretch tulle tautly. Tighten screw to secure tulle.

3) Remove seeds from vegetable fruit (the photo above shows tomato seeds). Place on tulle and rinse seeds with water. Allow to air dry for several days. Scrape seeds off and store in plastic bags or glass containers. Make sure to label your seeds.

4) Store seeds in a cool dry place. Now you are set for next years planting!