Time to Start Collecting Seeds

[duckman1911]

I picked one of my seeding squash to check for seed maturity.
Its easy to see the difference between a mature seeder and an eating size squash.

[duckman1911]

This one is nice and full. I use a spoon to scrap out the seeds. The row that is cut by the knife is scrapped out and trashed.

[duckman1911]

The seeds from one half. the bulk of the flesh has been removed from them.

[duckman1911]

A strainer works well for the finally cleaning. run the seeds under cold water while using your hand to swirl the seeds around. being rubbed against the side of the strainer will clean them up nicely.

[duckman1911]

Spread out on the drying rack. After they dry completely they'll be ready for sorting out any immature or damaged seeds.

[simplepeddler]

nice work man.......I harvest my seeds at the local farm supply........just too damn lazy I guess......

[duckman1911]

Originally Posted by simplepeddler

nice work man.......I harvest my seeds at the local farm supply........just too damn lazy I guess......

It's not much work Simple. Bout ten minutes start to finish. I have three more that im going to seed out but they need a little more time to mature.

[eman]

Can we get a fall crop of yellow squash in this area???

[Gerald]

Originally Posted by eman

Can we get a fall crop of yellow squash in this area???

Yes. Plant in late Aug or Sept. after the temp. first start to stay below 90 F.

.

[Gerald]

I have been letting these cucumbers grow for about 2 weeks. How long before I should pick them to get the seeds.? I guess I could pick 1 and check the seeds in it. The cucumbers have been great quality this spring and summer. Still picking 8-10 per day on about 13 vines.

The Zucchini has only been growing for about a week, so it might not be ready yet. My yellow squash stopped growing a few weeks ago, so I don't have any for seed now.

[duckman1911]

Its best to leave them until the fruit starts to die. The squash from my original post was full of seeds but they weren't mature enough. They looked great until they dried. The longer you wait the better it is.

[duckman1911]

Gerald I'll send you some seeds when mine are ready.
You too eman if you want some.

[duckman1911]

This zuchinni is probably ready for seeding but im gona let it go longer. I dont remember what variety this one is. It makes short and fat zuchs. Good flavor though.

[Gerald]

Originally Posted by duckman1911

Gerald I'll send you some seeds when mine are ready.
You too eman if you want some.

Thanks, I will PM you my address.

After you dry the seeds, where do you store them? Just in the house, refrigerator or freezer? In zip lock bags or jars? How long will the seeds stay good?

I did not plant a fall garden last year because I had a bunch of veggies in the freezer. I am thinking I will plant a few things this fall so I will have some fresh grown stuff.

[duckman1911]

We use small jars for storing the seeds. Anywhere that is cool and dry with minimum sunlight exposure is good. If kept in good conditions most seeds will store for more than a year if needed. Longer if you keep them in the freezer. We usually don't have any longer than a year. We use what we need and give the rest to others.