How Do You Collect Seed To Plant Squash?
Collecting seed to plant next year is a great way to save money and protect heirloom varieties of your garden plants. Squash seeds are easy to collect, but the problem lies in that squashes are notorious cross-pollinators. So unless you want to end up with “zumpkini,” be sure to follow the steps below. Start with non-hybrid seed varieties. In order to begin saving seed from year to year, you probably will need to start by purchasing seed from a company that specializes in “heirloom” seed. Many of these companies have web sites that you can order through online. Prevent cross-pollination. The simplest way to do this is to only plant one variety of squash in your garden. Planting more than one variety requires that you prevent blossoms from opening, pollinate them yourself, and then close them up again. Grow squash to maturity. Check the individual variety you are growing to be sure that it is fully ripe before you pick it. Remove the seeds from the squash. Split the squash open lengthwi
