Collecting Seeds

One of the most enjoyable things about gardening is growing your own plants from seed. However, seed collecting can be tricky because some plants have dry fruits that split open as soon as they're ripe. The seeds then drop to the ground, fly away in the wind, or they may be eaten or carried off by birds and animals. Some seed capsules even explode violently and fling the seed metres from the parent plant. To avoid losing seed in this way, Don suggested using the lower part (foot end) of an old stocking. Carefully pull it over the ripening pods, and secure it around the stem with a plant tie. When the seeds fall, they will drop safely into the stocking. A good alternative is to buy some mosquito mesh from your local haberdashery store, and make a bag to fit over your seed pods. These bags are easier to see into than a stocking, and they prevent birds from eating your seeds as well.

Copyright CTC Productions 1999