The beautiful blossoms of summer have dwindled leaving an abundance of seeds in their wake. It’s time to collect for next year’s garden!

Recycled water bottles are my container of choice this year for collecting seeds. I’ve overturned many a plate, glass and paper bag while collecting in past years. I’ve found holding a water bottle between my body and upper arm frees both hands. Even if I drop the bottle, the small opening keeps a good portion of the seeds from spilling out. Give it a try!

• Let the seeds dry for a week or two in the bottle before packaging/storing
• Store your foil-wrapped seeds in a jar/container in the fridge or cold garage, some seeds need a period of cold (cold stratification) to germinate.