Make your own seed saving envelopes using our downloadable pdf.

Words and photos: Julie Legg

Click here to download the template

Print the template on A4 paper and cut to size.

Fold where prompted, then glue the back and base.

Leave to dry before labelling, filling and storing.

SEED SAVING TIPS

Saving seeds is easy, cost-effective and rewarding. Save seeds from herb flowers or reserve from vegetables. Wash vegetable seeds of any excess flesh and spread onto newspaper to dry. Be sure to make a note of the seeds you are drying, as many varieties appear similar.
Leave seeds to air dry inside. Drying times will vary from a week to several weeks, depending on the size and type of seed, and conditions such as humidity. Once dry, pack seeds in envelopes. Label and include the date, sowing time and any other handy hints you’ll need for next season. Store packets in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container.

 

This story is an extract from In Your Backyard: Urban Harvest, a special edition of NZ Life & Leisure about growing food in small city spaces. Packed with advice such as how to start a productive veggie garden, the best crops, creating awesome soil, vertical growing, container gardening, hydroponics, espaliered trees and edible hedges. In store from 26 March, or pre-orderat shop.thisnzlife.co.nz before 25 March for the special price of $15 and save 24%.