Collect and save seeds from your own garden

Use this guide in late summer and autumn when flowers and vegetables are setting seed. You need paper bags or envelopes, scissors, a tray or plate, a sieve or colander, labels and a pen, and a cool, dry place to store the seeds.

Step by step

1. Choose plants worth saving

   Seeds from open-pollinated or heritage varieties usually grow into plants like their parent, while seeds from F1 hybrid varieties usually do not. Check the original seed packet or plant label for F1 before collecting. Easy plants for beginners include calendula, sweet peas, nigella, poppies, cosmos, runner beans, peas and tomatoes. Choose the healthiest, best-performing plants to collect from.