by Renee Rotto

Created on: September 25, 2009   Last Updated: September 26, 2009

Starting your own garden can be one of the most satisfying experiences of your life. Not only can you produce healthful organic fruits and vegetables but you can also save hundreds on your grocery bill. The most cost effective way to start a garden is by saving seeds.

Seeds are generally saved from annual or biennial plants. Initially, when you start collecting seeds, you will want to purchase seeds called 'Heirloom' or 'Standard' not 'Hybrid'.

Heirloom seeds are derived from cultivars that were commonly grown during earlier periods in human history. These plants pass down genetic traits that they have adapted over time. Heirloom seeds have adapted themselves to whatever climate and soil they have been grown in and are resistant to local pests and diseases. Unlike Hybrids, they produce plants with those same characteristics as their parents.

Hybrids, or seeds labeled as 'F1', on the other hand, have been specially bred for commercial traits; seeds from Hybrid plants produce plants that are unlike their parents. Instead, seeds from Hybrids produce inferior plants or plants that were bred to be sterile.

Saving Seeds:

When saving seeds, choose plants that are free of disease and that have qualities that you find desirable. Consider size, harvest time and the general health of the plant. Harvest seeds past the eating stage of maturity. If you harvest seed at the eating stage, these seed are unlikely to germinate. Wait until near the end of the season. Seeds are generally mature when faded or dry looking. Don't wait too long though, because you may risk loosing your seed to birds and animals. When most of the plants are mature, is the time to gather seeds.

Pick a dry, sunny day to harvest your seeds, preferably, in the afternoon when the dew has had a chance to evaporate.

Cut off mature flower heads, pods or fruit with shears and spread out seeds on newspaper or screen to dry completely. Seeds are dry when they break rather than bend. For fruits and vegetables, you will need to open them and remove the seeds or pits. Put seeds from ripe fruit in a strainer or colander, to wash away any flesh from the seeds before drying. Wash melon seeds with a drop of dishwashing liquid to eliminate any sugar.

Some seeds need to be soaked in 120-degree water to protect them from seed born diseases. Soak cabbage seeds for 25 minutes. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts should be soaked for 18 minutes.

Tomato and cucumber need to ferment for a few days in water. Wash and place

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