Well I'm bang on for timing, but a little late given I'm heading off in 4 weeks for an extended break. Today I popped some seeds into seed raising mix and they are now ready to germinate under a plastic shopping bag that is operating as a frost resistant hothouse.
I've used seed gathered from broccoli that went to seed. Unfortunately I dont know the type of broccoli so I have not idea if the plants will be true to plant I got them from, or revert to some spindly species that is quite simply a waste of time and space.
There was a lot of varience in the quality of the seed. I'd left them to dry in their pods and some had dried and obviously had no life in them. Others were black and firm and 'plump', as plump as a broccoli seed can be anyway.
So its a bit of an experiment. They've got 4 weeks to germinate and then I'll pop them in the ground (under glass for the lucky ones). I will dig over their patch in the next week or 2 as I have green manure plants in them. I'm probably a little early, but hey, the seasons are pretty screwed up and this is seeming to be a mild winter.
Iceburg lettuce have also gone in as seeds, but not seed I've collected. I have to say I am totally experimental in the seed saving business - as I learn more I'll write more.
Happy gardening!!
BTW - its pretty heart breaking to get all the timing right, the plants are growing beautifully (my peas), and the chooks get in and rip it all to shreds!! Chicken pie for tea??
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