I’ve always thought of dead-heading as a chore and always leave it far too late. But this year I’ve turned that to my advantage, and started saving seeds from my garden. It started with the Welsh onions, which self-seed everywhere given half a chance. I can now share that joy with so many other people!
Next came the winter-flowering pansies, which charmed me with the faint popping sound the seedpods made as they flung tiny seeds all over my desk. And I spotted some lovely dry seedheads on the Good King Henry as I was cutting it back.
The dwarf marigolds in my windowboxes have been valiantly keeping my tomatoes pest free all summer – and cheering up even the dullest of days with their cheerful colours. And this morning I’ve spent a few minutes amassing a huge collection of seeds from them that will ensure another plentiful display next year – at no extra cost.
When you save your own seeds you’re carrying on a tradition passed down through generations. A hobby that’s fun, free and environmentally sound? Count me in.
For more on seed saving, check out episode 28 of The Alternative Kitchen Garden