If you remember, I decided that since the goat’s tomatoes turned out so nicely I’d save the seeds from them to replant next year. I’m glad I picked the good tomatoes while I could.
All in all, I think I got three of those beautiful tomatoes for myself. So much for that canning session I was looking forward to!
Luckily, I had the best looking tomato set aside to get the seeds from. Of course I had no idea how to save a tomato’s seeds.
Remember, you can only save seeds from heirlooms, not hybrid varieties, like what you would buy at the grocery store.
Here is how it’s done…
Step #1: Pick the Best Tomatoes
First, pick the best looking ripe tomato that you have.
Step #2 Cut the Tomatoes in Half
Cut the tomato in half ideally across it’s hemisphere, not from stem to bottom. Either way will work, though.
Step #3: Scoop the Flesh Out
Squeeze or scoop out all of the seeds into a glass jar.
Step #4. Add Water
Add as much water as you have of seeds, plus a little more.S
Step #5: Cover With Cheesecloth
5. Cover your jar with a cloth (I used cheesecloth), this will help keep the odor contained.
Step #6: Ferment the Seeds
Let the seeds ferment for 3-5 days. Keep an eye on it though. I let it sit for one day too long, and all of the water evaporated out! (I added more water to it, and swished it around before going on to the next step.)
The top of the water will form a layer of mold… this is good, don’t be alarmed!
Step #7: Remove the Cheesecloth and Mold
When you see the mold on top, it’s done. Take the cloth off the top (and hold your nose!); pour off the mold.
Step #8: Strain the Seeds
Pour the seeds into a strainer…
… then rinse them off really well.
Step #9: Dry the Seeds
Dump the seeds out onto a towel to dry for a couple of days. Move the seeds around often to make sure they are all getting dry.
Step #10: Store Your Seeds
Store your seeds in a cool dry place, in a labeled container. And you’re done!
I can’t wait to see if I can grow some more of these next year! Since I don’t know what kind they are, I’ll be labeling them “Goat’s Tomatoes” 🙂
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A city girl learning to homestead on an acre of land in the country. Wife and homeschooling mother of four. Enjoying life, and everything that has to do with self sufficient living.
I actually heard it’s quite simple with the paper towel method because when the seeds stick to it, it keeps them contained until you need them. When you’re ready to plant the following year, you just rip a piece of the paper towel off that has a seed and plant the whole thing, paper towel and all, in the ground. Easy peasy. 🙂
yep! i looked into that this year too! and, I found the same things!
although, i did read that it’s best to dry them on a coffee filter rather than paper towel, that way the paper does not stick the them while they dry!
hope your goat tomatoes turn out awesome next year!