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  • From: Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Homestead] Storing & Saving seed
  • Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:35:31 -0500


On Jun 21, 2008, at 9:38 AM, Lisa K.V. Perry wrote:

What is your method? I hope to better my 'system' (a term used loosely). I
keep seeds in their original envelope inside a Rubbermaid-type container in
the basement (cooler than upstairs). Must I give up fridge space?

Okay, one more time: buy a copy of Seed To Seed. It has everything about the subject in it.

But since I love you, I will one last time type a quote:

AIRTIGHT STORAGE CONTAINERS
Vegetable seeds are at their peak when hey reach maximum dry weight on the mother plant. Vigor is the seed's ability to germinate rapidly with good disease resistance. Home-saved seeds will retain maximum vigor when thoroughly dried and stored in a moisture-proof container. The most vigorous seeds at harvest time will keep the longest in storage. The two greatest enemies of stored seeds are high temperature and high moisture. Seeds that are stored at fluctuating temperature and moisture levels lose their ability to germinate very quickly. As a rule of thumb, the sum of the temperature (degrees F.) an relative humidity should not exceed 100. In actuality, humidity is probably more important than temperature, because it allow for the growth of microorganisms which degrade seed quality. Always realize that seed vigor can be lost during storage well before the seed dies completely.
Containers used for seed storage should always be airtight. Glass and metal are the only common materials that are completely moisture- proof. Glass jars with good rubber seals under their lids, such as baby food jars or canning jars with new lids, provide a nearly airtight seal when screwed on really tight. Gallon glass jars that do not have a common-sized canning lid can be modified into excellent storage containers by cutting gaskets for their lids out of used automobile inner tubes.
Lightweight plastic bags are not moisture-proof and make poor storage containers. However, seeds can be put into Self Seal T-Bags, Seal-A-Meal bags, Zip Lock bags, small drawstring muslin bags, or paper envelopes, before being stored inside of a large, airtight jar. Each bag of seeds should be securely sealed and carefully labeled. The jar should then be stored in a cool, dry, dark place where the temperature fluctuates as little as possible. Locations at floor level are better than those near the ceiling, which can be be significantly warmer. The constant cool temperature of an under ground root cellar is excellent, for those lucky enough to have access to such a structure. . . . ."

She then goes on for a couple pages about LONG-TERM FROZEN STORAGE and then OVERWINTERING BIENNIAL PLANTS and more.


Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners (Paperback)
by Suzanne Ashworth (Author), Kent Whealy (Author)
(24 customer reviews)
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(24 customer reviews)




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184 of 192 people found the following review helpful:
Save 'em or lose 'em., January 12, 2000
By GENE GERUE "Author, Find Your Ideal Country Home" (Zanoni, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seed to Seed (Paperback)
Sixty million American gardeners buy their seeds from mail order seed companies. In the period 1984-1987, 54 of the 230 seed companies in the U.S. and Canada went out of business, resulting in 943 non-hybrid varieties becoming unavailable. One answer to the extinction of food crop varieties is Seed Savers Exchange, the publisher of Seed to Seed. Begun in 1975, SSE maintains more than 18,000 rare vegetable varieties at Heritage Farm in Decorah, Iowa. Another answer is for individual gardeners to save their own seed from non-hybrid varieties. Varieties that grow and taste exceptionally well in specific areas can be planted year after year from home-grown seed. A further advantage is protection from seed price increases. Ashworth provides definitive information on seed gathering, processing and storage techniques. Twenty family entries include taxonomy, pollination characteristics and techniques, general production and processing techniques. Each of the 160 species entries includes botanical classification; pollination, crossing, and isolation; seed production, harvest and processing; seed viability. Ample black-and-white photographs complement the text. Hybrid seeds are in the control of large companies. You can be in control of heirloom varieties that do best in your garden. Happy eating.
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Subject: Re: [Homestead] Chinese Plum Sauce
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Hi Bev,
i've been busy away from this good list, but just saw your query.
Here is another one to try.....i have made it a few times. but usually am
the type to also throw this or that into the mix.
All i know is we love Moo shi(u) also, and use a version of this recipe -
keeping small containers of it in the freezer. I do know i always doctor
it up with various spices and herbs.
Toni in Ky
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Katie’s Plum Sauce

8 cups pitted and chopped plums
1 3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar -- (use more or less, depending on the
sweetness of your plums)
1/2 cup white sugar
2/3 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 medium jalapeno pepper -- finely chopped (or use 2-3 jalapenos)
4 teaspoons mustard seed
2 teaspoons salt
6 cloves garlic -- minced
1/4 cup minced ginger -- or 1-2 tbsp. powdered ginger*


Bring all ingredients except plums to a boil in a non-aluminum pan. Stir
in plums. Simmer until thick, stirring often. Mash with a potato masher
or blend if you want a smoother sauce.

To can: Fill hot, clean jars with hot sauce, leaving 1/4" headspace. Wipe
rims, adjust lids and process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes at
0-1000 ft., 25 minutes, 1001-6000 ft., or 30 minutes, above 6000 ft. Makes about 6 half pints.

This sauce is great for dipping (egg rolls, lumpia), as a grilling sauce,
mu shi sauce, or brushed on baked pork chops or chicken.
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From lisakvperry AT gmail.com Sat Jun 21 14:11:22 2008
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Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:11:21 -0400
From: "Lisa K.V. Perry" <lisakvperry AT gmail.com>
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Subject: Re: [Homestead] Rutabagas vs. Yummy Pancakes.
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On Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 1:22 PM, Roy Morgan <k1lky AT earthlink.net> wrote:


Nothing wrong with them as far as I know.
But our 6 year old just refused to eat one of the yummiest pancakes
this household has ever seen. I had two helpings for breakfast, and
she preferred Cheerios!


Sometimes you don't develop a taste for the really good stuff until you're
older. From her point of view Cheerio's are basic, a known commodity,
whereas Rutabega Pancakes... come on! ;0

For the record, my favorite homemade pancakes (and waffles) are pumpkin w/
real maple syrple.

lkvp








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