Planting for Seed Saving

ADAPT YOUR PLANTS, INCREASE DIVERSITY

Calendula seed

Here are a few tips for planting success:

•       If your intentions are to save seed from certain plants -grow more plants than you think you need.  This allows room for error and the unexpected and also ensures there will be enough plants from which to harvest all your seed.

•       Saving seed requires you grow plants to maturity.  This means they get a lot bigger when not harvested or deadheaded, so leave more room around them.  The plants you let go to seed will most likely be growing in random places so be fairly flexible in your overall garden design and subsequent plantings.

•       Think about isolation.  This means in space (location) or in time (month of seed harvest) or both.  By doing so you maximize the chance of maintaining the specific variety you're after. Look up recommended isolation distances or choose early and late varieties that flower at different times. Remember to try and check with your neighbors -they might be growing something that will cross!  If they are, you will need to isolate yours with physical barriers to prevent pollen transfer.  If it’s a GMO, ask them to buy open pollinated seed instead!

Chive seedhead

EAT YOUR GREENS!

Shown below are several types of edible leafy green vegetables you can grow easily (and over winter!) in your gardens...

bok choy, borage, broccoli, cabbage,  hollyhocks, cilantro, dandelions, kohlrabi, red mustard, spinach

bok choy -a bit more tender than other winter greens.  we like it as a lettuce substitute in sandwiches.

CHARD

Beta vulgaris (many varieties)

Native to Europe’s Mediterranean climate chard is a delight for any Northern California winter garden.

Chard is a tall leafy green vegetable in the same family as beets and spinach.  Without a significant edible root like beets, chard instead has a thick, crunchy stalk which can measure almost two feet in length.  The stalk and mid ribs can be white, red or yellow with either smooth or curly green or red leaves -depending upon variety.

red chard

FROST and FREEZE Protection Tips

When temperatures drop to freezing (32˚F) the water inside plants freezes too.  When temperatures reach below freezing (< 28˚F ) it begins to cause extensive cellular damage and loss of plant life. 

Protection methods prevent desiccation and heat loss.

s       WATER -Water loses heat more slowly than air, as  moisture is released from the soil during the night, the temperature of the air around the plant slightly increases. 

s       COVER -Stake and cover potted plants and small trees with frost cloth, burlap, linen or old bed sheets.

s       POTTED PLANTS -Bring succulent plants, like Aloe vera, and other sensitive potted plants INSIDE.

s       COLLECT HEAT -Place milk jugs painted black and filled with water around your plants where they will collect heat from the sun during the day.

s       MULCH -Heavily mulch perennial plants that are sensitive to frost or those that have not yet begun dormancy in the event of an early hard freeze.

frosty forest garden