Saving tomato seed

 Due to neglect, most of my "Sweet Million" toms have split.
They are very expensive, £2.99 for 15 seeds so I would like to save my own
for next year.

How can I do this easily and without too much mess?

Thanks.
Baz

 HI Baz

Not sure if it's the right way - but what we always do is scoop out the
seeds and spread them on a piece of paper kitchen towel.
Leave the in the air to dry, write the variety alongside the seeds,
store until Spring!
Works for us <g> - has the benefit that if you buy some particularly
nice toms you can grow them yourself next year!

Adrian

 email.me:


Thanks, Adrian,
I will be doing that today.

Baz

 


Has worked for us as well for the last couple of years when we found a very
nice tom. There doesn't seem to be any deterioration in the quality or
flavour from seeds taken from seed the following year either :-))

Mike

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...................................

Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive.

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Here's what I do, and it's a variation on what's done commercially:

Scoop the pulp and seeds out of the tomatoes and mix with an equal volume
of water; put in a jar for 2 or 3 days (if longer, some varieties may start
to sprout).  The pulp will start to ferment, which helps break down the gel
around the seeds. Swirl the and shake the jar, then let stand a few
minutes.  The good seeds will sink to the bottom.  Pour off the pulp and
crud and add some water.  Repeat a few times and you should have nothing
but clean seeds on the bottom.  Spread these out in a fine sieve to dry; a
small fan speeds things up.  You can break the dry seeds apart by rubbing
with your fingers.
The whole process takes very little actual work time, and you get nice
clean non-messy seeds.  The fermentation is believed to at least discourage
some disease organisms.

--
Gary Woods AKA K2AHC- PGP key on request, or at home.earthlink.net/~garygarlic
Zone 5/4 in upstate New York, 1420' elevation. NY WO G