MONTICELLO, Ill. – Seed saving makes it possible for gardeners to be self-sufficient and select their favorite produce qualities by using seeds from the fruits or vegetables that possess them. According to Abigail Harper, Michigan State University Extension, “Saving seeds from year to year can help adapt varieties better to the climate you live in, rather than purchasing from a seed grower who may cultivate varieties for a significantly different climate.”
Seed Saving Workshop has two date, time, and location options. The first will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 17 at Vespasian Warner Public Library, 310 N. Quincy St., Clinton, Ill. The second will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Piatt County Extension, 210 S. Market St., Monticello, Ill. At these free workshops, participants will learn essential concepts and techniques for seed saving. They will learn to select the best plants for seed saving, isolate varieties, plan your garden for seed saving, and different methods for harvesting, drying, cleaning, and storing seeds.
Register by Sept. 16 for the Sept. 17 workshop by calling 217.935.5174. Register by Sept. 19 for the Sept. 20 workshop at go.illinois.edu/SeedSaving or call 217-762-2191. For more information, please contact Beth Miglin, horticulture Extension coordinator, at bmiglin@illinois.edu or call 217-762-2191.
The horticulture program is a branch of University of Illinois Extension that provides research-based information and training about soil testing, tree health, lawn care, pest identification and control, vegetable gardening, and more. The horticulture program also provides Master Gardener training. Find DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Extension Master Gardeners and Horticulture on Facebook.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact 217-762-2191. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
Source: Beth Miglin, Horticulture Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension
Writer: Laura Crider, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension