2016 seed saving circle

[sparrow100]

Sparrow, I do not think it is the case of cross pollination, I collected seed after drying aubergine totally. and found more seedy part is near to the stem.

Not quite sure what you mean Elfeda, but if it's about my aubergine I know it didn't cross, and perhaps the variety just didn't have many seeds. Will see this year when I try again!

[vixylix]

it will all be trial and error - its something I want to do for myself in the long run, so good motivation to get started!!

I definitely will not have 200 corn plants though...!

[Elfeda]

Sparrow, I do not think it is the case of cross pollination, I collected seed after drying aubergine totally. and found more seedy part is near to the stem.

[sparrow100]

With aubergine I've read you need to leave the fruit to ripen beyond the point where you would consider eating it.

Totally agree - be adventurous!

Aubergines need to ripen long past being edible, and they don't always have many seeds. I got 29 from one my rosa bianca last year. And apparently they can cross-pollinate if you're not careful, so I'd still isolate them. Am trying again this year, but with many more plants so I actually get enough to share!

[planetologist]

I don't agree at all, Elfeda. Be adventurous, vixylix! Try to fail. All of what you say is worth a try. With corn you should bear in mind that you need a lot of plants, though, they say 200. I've tried with ~10, and the first year they were still fine, but the second year the plants noticeably lacked vigour, though I tried this only once so I can't be 100% sure it was actually inbreeding. With aubergine I've read you need to leave the fruit to ripen beyond the point where you would consider eating it.

[Elfeda]

vixylix,

It is hard to get what we plan sometimes. better pick the ones that doesn't cross easily. aim for tomato and sugarsnap peas. rest put them into trials !

[vixylix]

Lots of stuff I think I should be able to save from - various tomatoes, sugarsnap peas, minipop corn (maybe?), various cucumbers, cucamelon, aubergine (if they grow!), borlotti beans - its more the how to save it part that I need to get my head round

[Scarlet]

Toms and beans are easy to start with. What are you going to grow this year?

[vixylix]

I'd like to join as a newbie! I've not saved seed before though so will be doing some swotting up on VCs new thread!

[Thelma Sanders]

Me too!
I'll need to think what to save.............

[jackarmy]

Could i put my name down please.
Growing cucamelon as a first so a maybe ?, also a couple of sweet peppers ive never tried before.
will have a think when i decide whays going in

[veggiechicken]

I've started a Q&A thread for new Seed savers and hope we can encourage more Grapes to join in.
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...-qs_88125.html

[Scarlet]

I'm in too but I'm not as organised as NG

[planetologist]

Elfeda, I would wait. Despite the El Nino it could still get too cold for beetroot between now and ~end of March. If the sprouting gets too bad and you need to plant them I'd make sure the top of the roots are 2 inches below the soil surface.

[sparrow100]

Me too please - not sure what yet though.