Saving seeds from Biennial plants Part 3
Weather
The rather changeable pattern of preceding days will likely still be in place across northwestern areas of the UK at first. In the southeast, predominantly fine, with a spell of hot weather this weekend. Much of England could see high temperatures for at least a couple of days and there is a possibility that the heat could last further into the week, especially in the south, where there is also the possibility of some thunderstorms. From Wednesday onwards temperatures will drop 5º degrees and we will widely experience somewhat cooler, fresher conditions, with a lot of dry weather to be had in the south under the influence of high pressure. Meanwhile a rather more changeable and breezier theme will continue further to the north and east coast with light showers.
Saving Perennial Seeds
Brassicas – Cabbage Family
With winter hardy crops like Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Sprouting Broccoli and Cabbages we can leave selected plants true to type in the ground or dig them up before they have started bolting and store them with soil around the roots.
When the severe frosts are over we plant them back into beds with well-structured soil and plenty of fertility at a distance of 45-60 cm in the row and 75-90 cm between rows.
If we notice that the heads of the Cabbages, etc. don’t want to go to flower we can make two cuts in shape of a cross on top of plants about an inch deep to encourage flowering.
Depending on the climate you can either transplant them indoors or outdoors.
Liliaceae – Onion family
Use the same procedure as for Brassicas for overwintering. With exception of certain frost hardy-hardy varieties of Leek, dig up the desired specimen and store Leeks with sol attached on roots and onions as dried bulbs.
Umbeliferae – Carrot Family
Make sure you dig up the best 15-25 Carrots, Parsnips, Celeriac, Celery, Parsley and Parsley Root to put into storage before the first frosts. Cut or twist off the green growth just above the root to ensure that the roots are clean and no green leaves and stems are left that could rot in storage. Store all roots in sharp sand to keep them dry enough.
When major frost danger is over transplant all roots at same distance as Brassicas above.
CLEANING SEEDS:
Make sure that the chaff, stems and seed cases are free of disease and insects, which could affect the seeds in storage.
Dry Cleaning:
This method is used for seeds maturing in a dry receptacle, i.e. seed capsules, pods, husks or cases. Let the seeds dry on the bush.
In case of rain, protect in the plants or harvest whole plants and hang upside down in a warm and shady place.
Winnowing:
The seeds and the chaff or other impurities
are wafted away with a gentle breeze.
Putting seeds in an elongated vessel or basket
Is the secret for successful winnowing ( see image).
If some of the chaff does not separate, you can
store them together, as long as all is absolutely dry.
Screening:
This would be another option to get rid of impurities.
All it takes now is just get started with one variety of each family to avoid crossbreeding and you are up and running learning and developing your skills.
Wishing you a beautiful summer experience
Hans-Günther
PS: look out for the first the first bee workshops we are going host under the WHLU umbrella.
For more info and enrollment sign into www.whlu.org