An Easy Guide to Harvesting Seeds
Are you a harvester? I feel like I need to make a confessional here. I have become harvester of seeds. I’ve already shared with you my love for harvesting zinnia seeds and the last of harvesting zinnia seeds ends this week. Then there was the harvesting of herbs for my spice cabinet. But, recently I harvested coriander seeds and today…well, it’s on to harvesting chive seeds.
Who knew harvesting seeds would bring me this much joy?
Yes. Harvesting seeds brings me joy.
I think it’s saving something that you have enjoyed for beauty or cooking and then reproducing in a way to continue that history.
It’s bringing back life to something that brought you joy while saving money from having to buy the seeds or plants again next year.
When the cilantro began flowering, I was interested in watching the process of those flowers turning into seeds. When they changed to seed, I began to harvest and dry those seeds and add them to jars in my spice cabinet.
Then when the chives began to bloom, I loved adding them to a charcuterie wreath that was shared with you.
Chives are always added to dishes during the spring and summer months. They are a great addition to salads, eggs and casseroles.
This cream cheese spread for cucumber sandwiches for the fairy garden tea party was the best with chives added! In case you missed it, I’m adding it again here:
Whipped Herb Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz. whipped cream cheese
- herbs of your choice, chopped chives, dill, parsley, celery and basil are my favorites
Instructions
- Chopped your favorite herbs.
- Add herbs to your container of whipped cream cheese and combine completely.
- Use as spread with cucumber on cucumber sandwiches or serve as a dip with crackers.
Notes
Harvesting Seeds Method
For both harvesting coriander seeds from cilantro, and the chive seeds, it was really simple. Here’s the steps I followed:
- Wait until the plant flowers and the flowers turn to seed.
- Snip the flower heads from the plant.
- Separate the seeds from the chaff and lay out flat to dry.
- When dry, place in paper sacks or spice jars to store.
- Label with name and date for each type of seed.
- It’s best to use the seeds for planting for the next season or plant immediately if using indoors.
- Spice seeds if using in recipes are better used within a year of harvest.
I think that I’ll pull out some clay pots and trays and plant a few of these seeds inside and enjoy the greenery and their use during the winter months.
Doesn’t that sound like the BEST plan?
In fact, other herbs may join them for the party! I’ll share when they begin their winter growth.
I realize that you can ALWAYS buy herbs during the winter months. But, there is just something wonderful about having new growth and plants in January.
Happy Harvesting! and if you are like me, Happy Planting!
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17 Comments
Vickie Ramey
I love your enthusiasm for all things!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you. I think little pots of chives would be perfect for the winter months. They would work great for you already! No need to wait until spring!
Renae
Great post, my friend.
Leslie J Watkins
Thanks, Renae!
alda ellis
I love chives…have not ever grown them, but you have insprired me ….again!
sending you a hug…love this post!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Alda. I have grown them in pots on my deck for the past few years, but just realized I could harvest the seeds this year. I can’t wait to plant them in little pots for the kitchen to add a bit of life and fresh chives for dishes during those cold winter months. Miss you, my friend!
Laurie
I have also been harvesting chives this week, as well as some green beans and tomatillos. I’m glad we can do this simple thing to ensure our garden supply for next year!
I enjoy chives in many dishes. We grow the garlic chives, and I find myself snipping them into salads and soups often!
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Homestead Blog Hop
Leslie J Watkins
Yes! These are garlic chives, too. I haven’t grown or harvested tomatillos…and green beans? I haven’t thought about harvesting them! You are speaking to my heart. Thanks for commenting.
Cindy
Hi Leslie thanks for sharing this recipe. Sounds delicious. Pinned it and Pinned you harvesting seeds.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you. We loved using it for those cucumber sandwiches. And I think I’ll be planting a few of those chive seeds to add life to the kitchen during those dark winter months.
Pat
Your blog is lovely. Visiting from Friendship Friday.
I save seeds all the time and share them with family members. Thus summer I grew tomatoes, peppers, and herbs with saved seeds. I also save and dry many spent flowers to regrow them from seed next summer. I have had great success with marigolds.
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, you are my hero! I am just beginning to harvest seeds. I have harvested zinnia seeds for many years, but all of the others are new to me. Can’t wait to try my hand at planting them next summer. Just harvested some yellow melon seeds today. The melon was delightful and so worth trying to grow from those seeds. Someone gave me marigold seeds this year and I can’t wait to try them, too. I’ll have to follow along with you to learn more about harvesting! Thanks for stopping by.
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Michele
I just love this Leslie!
I love to garden and sometimes harvest seeds but I really need to be better about doing that more often and with all of my flowers.
Thanks for sharing great info!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Michele! And thank you for sharing this post! Forgive me for just now responding–we just returned from vacation and I just now saw this!
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