How to Save Seeds for Future Planting

Saving Bean and Pea Seeds

1). Save bean and pea seeds by allowing the pod to remain on the plant for one month after harvest or until fully mature. The pod will turn brown when mature and the peas and beans will rattle in the pod when shaken.
2). Pull the entire plant out of the ground early in the morning and allow it to dry in a shaded area for two weeks.
3). Remove the pods from the stalk and pull them apart to open them. Lay the seeds in a single layer on a clean surface out of the sunlight in a well-ventilated room. Allow the pods to dry for two weeks.
4). Place the seeds in a sealed jar or envelope and use a waterproof marker to label it with the date, type of seed and other characteristics such as color or flavor. Seeds must be used the growing season after they are saved.

1). Allow tomatoes and squash to ripen on the vine until thoroughly mature, as long as necessary after the regular crop has been harvested for the table.
2). Prepare the seed for saving by splitting open the fruit of the tomato or squash, scooping out the seed and pulp and washing in a fine wire strainer until all gel or pulp is removed.
3). Spread the seeds out single layer on clean paper and place in direct sunlight for a full day to dry.
4). Place the seeds in a sealed jar or envelope and label with the date, type of seed and other characteristics such as color or flavor. Seeds must be used the growing season after they are saved.

1). Ripen peppers on the vine until deep red. Cut the pepper pod in halves, remove the seeds and spread in a single layer on clean paper.
2). Dry the seeds thoroughly for two weeks in a well-ventilated room out of the sunlight.
3). Place the seeds in a sealed jar or envelope and label with the date, type of seed and other characteristics such as color or flavor. Seeds must be used the growing season after they are saved.