Seed Saving

All summer we've been chopping and slicing up the best of the farmer's market bounty and tossing any ends, remnants, and SEEDS into the compost. As we were preparing a pound of jalapenos and serranos for hot sauces, I was inspired to try saving seeds.

I've never done this before and am better versed at plating and growing flowers and house plants than vegetables, but I learned a lot last year at the Altgeld Sawyer Corner Farm and am already thinking about what to plant and grow next summer.

So I saved some jalapeno seeds and tried saving a couple of tomato varieties last night. I pulled the seeds straight from the tomato, rinsed several times and laid out on a plate to dry, but this morning came across another method that involves letting the seeds and pulp sit in a jar and develop mold before harvesting the seeds. I suppose I'll try both methods and see what works.

Here are a few resources I've been perusing:

TLC-How to save tomato seeds

Seed Saving Handbook

International Seed Saving Institute

Any suggestions or advice would be welcome!

Flower Boxes

This year has thrown me slightly off my game. However, my first summer class ended Thursday and practicum ended Friday. I have a carefree weekend before I start a 4 week stint as an aide for an extended school year program at an alternative school for kids with emotional and behavioral disabilities. I'm not sure what I'm getting myself into. But to celebrate this weekend, I got my flower boxes planted!!! The sun is too strong right now to get a good photo of how they look from the yard, so I moved it into the shade on the table for a quick shot!

Left to Right Front Row: Snowstorm Giant Snowflake (Sutera cordata), Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Purple Sweet Potato Vine, Mezoo Trailing Red (Dorotheanthus) , purple potato vine, mezoo, purple potato vine, snowstorm giant snowflake)


Left to Right Back Row: Fireworks Variegated Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum), Angelface White (angelonia angustifolia hybrid), Dracanae Spike (Cordyline indivisa), Angelface White, Fireworks Variegated Fountain Grass


Middle: White Vinca

Spring has Sprouted!

It's spring and lots of things are sprouting around my house.  First of all, I am starting mixed lettuces, arugula, basil, oregano and thyme all from seeds!

The arugula and lettuces are going crazy, the herbs are taking a little longer to start.

I have also sprouted lentils!  I have been wanting to try sprouting different legumes.  The lentils sounded easy and seemed like they would make a tasty snack.   To sprout, take your lentils, pick out any dead beans, and rinse well.  Put the lentils in a Ball jar and add water to cover the beans by about an inch.  Take a piece of cheese cloth, or honestly I just used a paper towel and screw the lid ring over it.  Place the lentils in a cabinet overnight.

The next day, pour off the liquid, rinse the beans a few times and then put back in the jar for another overnight in the cabinet.  After about a day or two you'll start to see sprouts starting.  Continue to rinse every day until eventually your sprouts are an inch or so long.  Then they're ready to eat!

I tossed some with a little salt and pepper as a snack.  They were even better added to a salad and are full of vitamins and minerals.