Seed the Future: How to Save Your Tomatoes for Next Year

1) Select your tomatoes

“When choosing tomatoes for seed saving, look for ones with fully matured seeds. Larger, well-formed tomatoes that have ripened on the vine and reached their full colour are ideal. Try to avoid taking seeds from tomatoes that aren’t fully developed,” Amal notes.

2) KEEP THE VARIETIES SEPARATE

Always separate your tomatoes by variety before you begin. Once the seeds are out, it can be tricky to tell them apart.

3) CUT AND SCOOP

• Slice off the top quarter of your tomato.
• Scoop out seeds from the top piece.
• For the rest, either squeeze gently or scoop with fingers or a spoon.
• Another option: cut around the tomato to peel off the skin and reveal the seed cavities.

4) Collect the seeds and gel

• Place seeds and the locular gel (the goo around them) in a container.
• Add water:  about twice as much water as seeds and gel.
• Cover loosely (a Kilner jar works well) so air escapes but bugs can’t get in.

5) Ferment for 5-7 days

• Stir vigorously once a day to break up the pulp.
• Fermentation removes the seed’s outer coating, making them ready to germinate.
• You’ll know it’s working if you see bubbles, a fermented smell, and a skin of mould forming on the top.

6) strain and rinse

• After 5-7 days, pour everything into a strainer.
• Rinse thoroughly, using a spoon to help separate seeds from any leftover tomato pulp.

7) DRY THE SEEDS

• Spread seeds on wax paper in a punnet or shallow container.
• Keep them away from direct sun, heat, or moisture.
• Move them around daily so they dry evenly.

8) Final check

• At first, the seeds will look wet. Don’t worry, they’ll dry after a few days.
• If they’re exposed to too much sun or stay damp, they may sprout or go mouldy.
• Once fairly dry, seeds will clump. Rub gently between your fingers to separate.

9) Store and label

• When fully dry, your seeds are ready.
• Do a quick germination test if you like, then bag, label, and store them for next season.

To find out more about Heirloom Tomatoes and the importance of preserving them for generations to come, check out our interview with The Gaia Foundation.