Collect the seeds, grow your own greens!

Saving seeds from the fruits and vegetables you eat is an easy and rewarding way to grow your own plants. Whether you’re looking to grow your favorite produce or experiment with your green thumb, it’s a fun way to expand your garden with items you have at home! 

Here are a few simple steps to help you get started:

Choose fully ripe fruits or vegetables.

Start by picking fruits or veggies that are fully ripe. It’s a good idea to research which seeds grow well in your area. For example, in Florida, oranges grow much easier than apples due to the climate. Also, certain plants thrive at specific times of the year. But don’t worry, you can always try growing anything you’d like! Some produce you could save seeds from include:

• Lemons
• Mangos
• Avocados
• Oranges
• Pumpkins
• Lettuce

The list is truly endless!  

Prepare your seeds properly.

Once you’ve decided on the produce you want to grow, it’s important to prepare the seeds correctly. For example, the seeds in tomatoes and cucumbers have a gel coating (the slimy stuff) that needs to be removed. Other seeds can simply be patted dry with a napkin. For certain plants, the bloom must be completely dried out before you can collect any seeds.

Dry and Store the Seeds.

Once you’ve picked your produce and removed the seeds, store them in a cool, dry place. You can use envelopes, jars, or even the fridge! Just be sure to label each container with the seed type and the date you collected them. This way, you’ll avoid the mistake of mixing them up and later discovering you accidentally planted lemons instead of tomatoes!

Plant and grow!

When you’re ready to plant, sow your seeds in the soil. Be sure to research the specific needs of each seed, like how much sunlight, water, or care they require. It’s a rewarding experience when you finally see the little seed sprout and (hopefully) turn into a full-grown plant!

Living in Florida gives you the perfect opportunity to grow tropical fruits like mangos, lemons, and oranges. So next time you finish a fruit or vegetable, think about saving those little seeds! With a little care and attention, you’ll have your very own homegrown produce!

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