Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán Master Gardener’s Guide to Storing Seeds for Next Season’s Harvest As a gardener, there’s something deeply rewarding about harvesting seeds from your own garden and using them to grow next year’s crop. Not only does it save money—avoiding those $1.50 to $7 per packet costs—but it also allows you to preserve the unique characteristics of the plants you love. Whether you’re saving seeds from cherished heirloom tomatoes, vibrant nasturtiums, or your favorite melons, proper seed storage is key to ensuring they remain viable for the next growing season. Here's how to do it right. 1. Start with the Right Seeds When choosing seeds, opt for heirloom or open-pollinated varieties. These types of seeds will produce plants true to type, meaning the plants you grow next year will be just like the ones you enjoyed this season. Hybrid seeds, while intriguing, may not yield the same results as the parent plant, leading to surprises in your garden. While
August Gardening Tip: Order bulbs and corms for fall planting
When planning to plant garlic bulbs in the fall in the U.S., it's important to choose varieties suited to your climate and personal preferences. Here are some of the best garlic bulbs to consider:
Hardneck Garlic Varieties
Hardneck garlic is generally more cold-hardy, making it ideal for regions with harsh winters. It also produces a central flower stalk called a scape, which is edible and flavorful.
German Extra Hardy (Porcelain)
- Flavor: Strong, robust
- Characteristics: Large bulbs, 4-6 cloves per bulb
- Best For: Cold climates, long storage
Music (Porcelain)
- Flavor: Rich, slightly spicy
- Characteristics: Large, easy-to-peel cloves
- Best For: Cold climates, culinary uses
Purple Stripe Varieties (e.g., Chesnok Red)
- Flavor: Sweet when roasted, great for baking
- Characteristics: Attractive purple-striped skin
- Best For: Versatile culinary uses
Rocambole Varieties (e.g., Spanish Roja)
- Flavor: Full-bodied, traditional garlic flavor
- Characteristics: Smaller bulbs, but very flavorful
- Best For: Mild to cold climates, gourmet dishes
Softneck Garlic Varieties
Softneck garlic is more adaptable to a variety of climates and typically produces larger yields. It doesn't form a scape, which can make it easier to braid for storage.
California Early and California Late
- Flavor: Mild to medium
- Characteristics: Large bulbs, many cloves per bulb
- Best For: Warmer climates, long storage
Silverskin Varieties (e.g., Nootka Rose)
- Flavor: Rich and strong
- Characteristics: Small cloves, long storage life
- Best For: Warmer climates, braiding
Artichoke Varieties (e.g., Italian Late, Inchelium Red)
- Flavor: Mild and complex
- Characteristics: Large bulbs with many cloves
- Best For: Versatile climate tolerance, fresh use and storage
Planting Tips
- Timing: Plant garlic in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes.
- Soil Preparation: Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. A pH level of 6-7 is ideal.
- Spacing: Plant cloves about 4-6 inches apart and 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end up.
- Mulching: Mulch with straw or leaves to protect the cloves over the winter and help retain moisture.
Regional Considerations
- Northern U.S.: Hardneck varieties are generally preferred due to their cold hardiness.
- Southern U.S.: Softneck varieties may perform better in warmer climates and are more heat tolerant.
By selecting the right garlic varieties and following proper planting techniques, you can ensure a bountiful harvest next summer. Plant the bulbs according to instructions that accompany the ordered bulbs, or do a little research to make sure you don't waste your time planting at the wrong time or depth.
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