The good life

RUNNER BEANS AND PEAS

The peas and beans that have become too fat and woody to eat are perfect for transforming into next year’s plants. Let them ripen and dry on the plant, then remove from the pod; discard any that look blemished, too small or mouldy, and store in an airtight container.

SALAD LEAVES

Let the last of your summer crop flower and run to seed. Snip off the seedheads and hang upside down in a paper bag, so the seeds can drop out. Label the bag. Keep in a cool, dry place and, in a month or so, separate them out and store in a labelled envelope.

TOMATOES

If you opt for heirloom varieties, you’re more likely to get seeds the same as the parent plant. Choose healthy, ripe fruits, slice in half around the middle and pick out the biggest, fattest seeds. Space them out on a coffee filter and dry in the airing cupboard for two weeks – do the same for chillies. Cut up the filters to make seed discs ready for planting. Store in an envelope in a cool place.