Seed Keepers

[SArjuna@aol.com]

Kat asked about saving melon seeds.

First, Kat, if you want your future melons to be the same as your present melons (a pure strain) be sure that there are no melons   of other varieties nearby that could crossbreed with yours.   Nearby meaning half a mile.   If what you grew this year is a hybrid, then saved seeds will yield fruit, but who knows what they'll be like.

To physically save the seeds, just scoop out the seeds of a ripe melon.   Put them in a bowl with enough water so they float, then pour off the water and debris.    Repeat this rinsing till only clean seeds remain.   Strain.   Rinse thoroughly under a stream of cool water to remove any traces of sugar.   Dry the bottom on the strainer on a towel to remove as much water as possible.   Dump the seeds onto a plate to dry.   (Not paper towel, which will stick to the seeds.)    Dry till one snaps vs. bends.   Will keep 5 years in a cool, dry, dark spot.

That's from Suzanne Ashworth's book, Seed To Seed.   A must-have book for seed savers.

Now, if there are other melons within half a mile, things get much more complicated and I suggest you read Ashworth for details re your options.

Shivani in WI














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