Workshop Module 5: Seed Saving and Nurseries 147STAGE 3: Choose the ideal time and method for collecting the seeds from
each plant
- It is important to choose the right time to collect seeds, according to seed or
fruit maturity and weather conditions. - See the table in PC Book MOD 5 – Seed Saving and Nurseries for more
details.
STAGE 4: Clean the seeds
- If seeds are properly cleaned to remove all plant material and foreign matter the
chance of insect damage and rot will be greatly reduced.
STAGE 5: Dry the seeds
- This is a very important part of the seed saving process. If seeds are not
properly dried they will rot when it is stored.
STAGE 6: Store the seeds
After the seeds are dry they need to be stored properly. While in storage, seeds need to
be protected from:
- Air – Will reduce the lifetime of the seeds.
- Moisture – Will make seeds rot.
- Heat – Will reduce the number of seeds that germinate when planted.
- Animals – Can eat or damage seed.
- Insects – Can eat or damage seed. For example if insect eggs are laid inside
seed storage containers, they can hatch and the young insects will eat the
seeds. - Light – Will damage seed and reduce the number of seeds that germinate when
planted.
Step 3
Ask the participants to divide into smaller work groups and have each work group come
up with lists of what specific methods and techniques are used locally. Information from
PC Book MOD 5 – Seed Saving and Nurseries can act as a guide for the facilitator
if the work groups need help prompting ideas and discussions.
Step 4
After each workgroup has created their lists ask them to write them on the board (table
- while presenting the results to the entire group for feedback and other suggestions.