how to get FREE SEEDS

Not all seeds are created equal. Different plants produce different types of seeds: Orthodox seeds These are seeds that can be stored by drying. Most vegetable seeds fall into this category, meaning you can dry and save your own open-pollinated seeds for future planting. Examples include: amaranth, kangkung, brinjal. Hybrid seeds These are commercially bred to have desired traits and are crossed-bred through human intervention. The first generation of a hybridised plant will grow better and produce higher yields than the parent varieties. However, any seeds produced by hybrid plants may be genetically unstable and cannot be saved for later use. To identify hybrid seeds, look for “H1” or “F1” (meaning first generation) on seed packets. Unorthodox seeds These are seeds that cannot withstand drying or freezing, which means they have to be planted soon after being picked. Often these are seeds from tropical trees such as avocado, mango, and coconut.

What kind of seeds can I save?

Fruiting vegetables

Such as brinjal, chilli, ladies’ fingers, corn, cucumber. Flowering herbs

Such as ulam raja, basil, cilantro. Flowering vegetables Such as amaranth, pak choy, kailan.

Tip: Only choose the best plants to mature, flower, and seed, to make sure you get the best seeds. Plants will yellow, dry out, and die in the process of allowing them mature to be able to get the seeds – but that’s a natural process of seeding.