Do you plan on preserving seeds of your favorite squash variety so you can plant them when the growing season comes around?
Well, I can certainly tell you one thing – that’s a great idea!
This article will walk you through the step-by-step process of saving squash seeds and, frankly speaking, it’s easier than you might think!
4 Quick and Easy Steps to Save Your Squash Seeds
Let’s take a look at how you can preserve some squash:
Step 1 – Selecting The Right Squash
Yeah… I guess it should be pretty obvious by now that the first step to any seed extraction task is getting your hands on the right fruit/vegetable/flower.
This means the squash should be ripe, have a deep, vibrant color, and shouldn’t display signs of fungal growth or mold.
This is an important step because the seeds from your chosen squash will serve as a foundation for your next set of crops.
Step 2 – Extracting Seeds
Once you have the right squash, it’s time to extract the seeds from it. This is a relatively straightforward step.
Simply cut your squash down the middle and scoop out the seeds that will be resting in the pulp. The pulp is unnecessary for this process so just run the whole thing under some cold water and separate the seeds with your bare hands.
You can also use a strainer for this job.
Step 3 – Drying The Seeds
Dry seeds = longer-lasting seeds.
This is a crucial step if you want to preserve your seeds for the long term. You see, if you store the seeds just as they come out of the pulp, there’s a high chance they will catch mold and rot. So, to avoid that trouble, drying is very important.
Spread your seeds on a thin layer of paper towels and leave them out in the open to air dry. Thorough drying will take roughly 1-2 weeks, so be patient.
To ensure your squash seeds are dried right, give them a feel and look for a hard, crisp texture. Once that’s achieved, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 4 – Storing Seeds For Longevity
Now, it’s time for the actual storing. Start by sorting all of your squash seeds into airtight containers or envelopes.
Make sure they’re airtight or else moisture can creep in and ruin the seeds. For extra precaution, consider throwing in a few silica gel packets along with the seeds.
If you want, you can also label the squash varieties on the envelopes using a marker.
For storage, choose a cool, dark, and dry place that doesn’t get too humid or damp. A refrigerator, cupboard, or basement that doesn’t experience huge temperature fluctuations is ideal.
Final Words
If you plant squash in your garden every growing season, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with saving some squash seeds.
It’s economical and allows you to preserve your favorite varieties of the fruit (yes, squash classifies as a fruit). It can also be a fun little project to try out if you’re bored or have children at home who could use some education on gardening.
Hope your seeds grow into yummy squashes you can enjoy someday!
