harvesting seeds

A good way to save money on plants, especially annuals, is to harvest their seeds.  Not only does DEADHEADING encourage more blooms, but you can save the seeds and plant next year.

Behold, the CALENDULA

Some seed heads pop right off, other might need to be clipped from the stem.  Some plants will reseed themselves.  You may find "volunteer" plants in other areas of the garden.  Echinacea does this as well as lamb's ear and marigolds.

Don't take off the seed heads too early.  Be sure they are completely dried or the seeds won't have stored enough energy to create a new plant.  Ideally it's best to actually let them fall off.  But as long as they are very brown and dead, it's fine.

The seed head is comprised of dead petals, the seed housing, and then the seed itself.  Be sure to allow the seeds totally dry out before storing them.  You don't want to leave any moisture behind that could rot the seed.

You've got to go through all of that matter in order to isolate the seeds.  I happen to have planted the original  plant from seed so I  remember what they looked like.

Saving the seed envelopes is a great way to save harvested seeds and to remind yourself how to care for them and any other helpful instructions.

I saved these from last year's CARDINAL VINE.

 It's a good idea to date your seeds as well.  They actually do have an expiration date.  You can test your seeds before you plant them by soaking them in a moist paper towel for a few days.
Viable seeds will begin to sprout.

Another reason to save seed envelopes and labels?
I came across this in my labels collection and MYSTERY solved!