Naturally Reducing High Food Costs

Want to reduce the high cost of food prices? Did I get your attention? I sure would like to. It seems that as of lately, due to the high cost of food, we are needing to get back to the basics in order to feed our families. I came across an article in a local newpaper regarding seeds. It got my attention. I'm talking about saving seeds from vegetables grown in your own family garden. Now my brother does this and at first I thought he was crazy! He has a garden and he saves (or recyles) the seeds. Why not just go and buy another vegetable plant instead? Good solution I thought. He not only saves money by doing so, he has become self-sufficient. Well, as it turns out, this article shows you how to make the most of your garden seeds. For example, did you know that the large seeds produced by melons, peas, squash, beans and corn are simple to gather and clean? For the most consistent results from seed collecting and saving, try these tips:

1. Steer clear of hybrids and other varieties such as broccoli and radish that tend to cross-pollinate with other plants.
2. Look at your calendar for your hardiness zone.
3. Gather seeds from your hardiest plants in your garden rather than those that are earliest to mature.
4. When you harvest your seeds, label and store them in either dry envelopes, plastic containers or glass canning jars. Keep them cool and dry.

If you would like to learn more about gathering and saving seeds, there is a book called "Seed Sowing and Saving: Step-by-Step Techniques for Collecting and Growing More than 100 Vegetables, Flowers and Herbs by Carole B. Turner. Click on the Amazon.com button below on my site if you would like to see or purchase this beautiful book. Happy harvesting!