Harvesting Pumpkin seeds

I cut my Sugar Pumpkins in half and scoop out the seeds and soft surrounding flesh. Then I rinse them clean and dry the seeds thoroughly. I bake the outer part of the pumpkin and scoop out the firmer flesh for eating. These are pumpkins I did in the late fall. Soon it will be time to save my squash seeds the same way. At our house most pumpkins keep until Christmas and most Waltham Butternut squash keep until Easter. I harvest the seeds a few weeks before that so I can grow longer lasting plants to sell. That's a huge advantage of saving heirloom seeds your self. You can favor the most desirable traits. I want seeds from fruit which has thrived here in my garden and keeps as long as possible without processing.

February 2nd, 2024