anyone have the book, saving seeds, or something similar? I need to know about radish seeds, when to harvest and such. ANy help?

-- Stan (satanswelp@hell.nets), September 26, 2002

Answers

I'm going to my storage bldg Saturday afternoon and I think I have one entitled 'Saving Seeds'. If I have it yet, I can't remember if I loaned it out, I'll send it to you-OK? I finally figured out how to save the seeds from the things I grow so I'm not using it anymore. I'll send you a message if it's on it's way so you can watch for it. While I'm at the storage bldg I'm going to bring back some of the homesteader & natural health books I don't use anymore and will put up a list here by Monday afternoon.

-- Kathy (beckoningwinds@yahoo.com), September 26, 2002.

Hi Stan, here's what the book Seed to Seed writes....

Radish seed stalks grow 3 feet or taller. White or purple and white flowers appear prolifically and are very attractive to bees. After the flowers fade, the seedpods form. The pods are green at first, but turn tan as the seeds mature and the plant begins to dry. The seed stalks are harvested when the stalk and pods are dry.

Radish seeds are dried and cleaned using techniques similar to other member of the Brassiceae family. It is a bit harder to remove their seeds from the seedpods, however, so plan on spending more time and getting fewer seeds than from other family members. Gently pounding the pods with a large hammer or a wooden maul will help break open pods that do not yield when rubbed by hand. Radish seeds require no further processing.

Radish seeds will remain viable for 5 years when stored in a cool, dry, dark location.

* Radishes are insect pollinated and will cross with all varieties of wild and domesticated radishes. They will not cross with any other members of the Brassicaceae family.

Brassicaceae seedpods must develop fully while still attached to the growing plant. Plants pulled before they are completely mature and stored in hopes of further pod development produce little viable seed. As the seeds approach maturity, the pods begin to dry out and turn light brown. The seed pods of all cole crops have a tendency to shatter. The ripest seedpods will be located at the bottom of each seed stalk and should be hand harvested as they dry. Progressive collection of the pods can be made over several weeks. If had harvesting is too time consuming, cut the stalk when the largest number of pods are dry but have not shattered. Maturing seed stalks may need to be netted or bagged to protect the seed crop from birds.

Continue to dry the stalks away from the direct sun. Many of the seed pods will shatter, while others will need to be broken by hand, or by jogging in place on top of a seed bag, or with the use of a seed thresher. The wind, a hair dryer or a fan can be used to winnow seeds.

-- Annie (mistletoe6@earthlink.net), September 26, 2002.

thanks Annie,, and thansk for the offer Kathy, I sure would like to learn more about saving seeds, the ones I jave to buy every year is really important,,,, you know,, save a penny, earn a penny,,,, , :)

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), September 27, 2002.