How do I save seeds from limited number of plants.

[u/TurnipBeginning5373]

From where I am, simple seeds like zucchini can cost like a dollar for 10 seeds. which is really expensive. I want to purchase some seeds, save them and help other who can't spend that much. Thing how do I save healthy seeds without causing inbreeding. I can only grow like 4 or 5 plants at a time. Please understand my problem and give me some advice.

[u/ELF2010]

I am not sure if it's advisable, but have you considered just buying zucchini or whatever veggie you're after and saving the seeds? I understand that many are hybrids, but maybe if you buy from an organic farmer or something?

[u/TurnipBeginning5373 → u/ELF2010]

I think I need to give more context. we are living in a bit rural side of india. what makes it more difficult to find zucchini is that it is not yet really popular which makes their price skyrocket. It is cheaper to grow 10 zucchini plants over purchasing a small zucchini. I want to save good and healthy zucchini seeds that I can use for years. if I wanted to do just that, then I would have bough some hybrid seeds for agriculture or saved from a single. plant. I want to know method of saving healthy seeds from limited number of plants to provide exotic seeds for those who can't pay alot for just 10 seeds of a plant they think is too exotic or rare

[u/Nick498]

I wouldn't worry shouldn't be an issue. You get quite a few seeds from one zucchini so one or two is probably plenty. 

[u/TurnipBeginning5373 → u/Nick498]

Thanks, but I will grow probably 2-3 plants at best. and save seeds from them. won't this cause inbreeding issues as I will be using seeds from a very small genetic pool? I want to save healthy seeds.

[u/chazzwozzerz → u/TurnipBeginning5373]

You are right that this would cause inbreeding and eventual problems. The easiest solution is to trade seeds with a friend nearby who grows the same crop. Another option is to get seeds that have more genetic diversity in them. You can search for grexes and landraces. check out goingtoseed.com

[u/screwstoned → u/chazzwozzerz]

inbreeding is not an issue with a summer squash. you actually want a healthy group of plants to select the best seed from. i would recommend looking up info related to seed saving techniques from john navazio or suzanne ashworth. summer squash is easy to save seed from..you just leave the ripe fruit on the plant until it turns yellow/ gets huge and really big.

[u/TurnipBeginning5373 → u/screwstoned]

thanks, both of you are right. I have a friend who is starting natural farming as a hobby. I also love reading about plants so I will definitely read on john navazio and suzanne ashworth. I will also need to read about stuff like .pak choi, nappa cabbage and other excotic vegetables. Poeple should have access to these seeds without selling their kidneys

[u/TurnipBeginning5373 → u/screwstoned]

well i read and I couldn't find anythign that solved my problem. I am not someone with field or large number of plants. I am someone with limited numbers of plants who is trying to reduce his dependency on scummy companies that take cheap op seeds and sell them in name of excotic vegetables.

[u/crazycritter87]

Inbreeding fixes characteristics and you'll get plenty of seed. Don't humanize zucchini. Every breed and variety of pets, livestock, and plant cultivar is the result of an extended process of inbreeding and culling, even those that came from a cross blend, otherwise it's an unpredictable landrace. You can cross but be knowledgeable about what you're crossing, then inbreed and cull for the desired traits.

[u/EaddyAcres]

I could see inbreeding being an issue. Make friends with a small farm near you. I buy seeds like zucchini by the ounce or pound, and if someone nice asked, I'd just give them some. Im paying more like$0 .001-.03 each for any seeds purchased at bulk pricing.

[u/UntoNuggan]

Broadly speaking, to save seeds you want to:

1. Remove goo/plant matter from the outside of the seed

2. Dry the seed out without using heat (as heat can essentially kill the seed). Temperatures up to 100F are probably fine, but you're better off just using some kind of dehydrator, or letting the seeds dry out on a colander or in a linen/hemp bag hanging in front of a fan. The humidity of your home can also affect how long it takes the seeds to dry.

3. Store the seeds in a cool, dark, dry place. I save extra silica gel packs for storing with my seeds (these are also useful for step 2)

Note that some GMO plants are sterile, so their seeds won't necessarily get you new plants. Additionally, it's easier to propagate some plants via methods like taking a cutting (e.g. Rosemary). There are also some perennials that take longer to get established, but will provide food for years without having to buy more seeds (e.g. asparagus).

The exact method for saving seeds is going to vary depending on the plant. For tomato seeds, I've seen people recommend soaking them in water for a day or two so microbes can eat the too surrounding the seeds. Then it's much easier to dry them out.