When the growing season is done, that's the time to make plans for the future of your garden -- that's the time to collect seeds. Careful collection and storage of seeds in the fall ensures new plants for the spring, said Patrick Murphy, host of GLT's Grow.
- First of all, DO NOT take seeds from public property. No matter how much you admire a plant and want to grow it yourself, it's illegal. So please don't do it. Thank you.
- Make sure you know what you are collecting from your garden. Label it so you'll know what's what come spring. Plus, if you go to a seed swap, your gardening pals will want to know what they're getting.
- Wait until the flowers on your plant have died back to pull seeds from it.
- Use your hands to harvest seeds. Use gloves, and if you're prone to allergies, wear a mask.
- Store in a place that's cool and dry, like the refrigerator. Paper bags are good. Plastic bags are not.
- Keep them safe from critters, too -- mice love seeds. I'm looking at you, Mickey and Minnie!
