Saving Seeds: The Gardener's Guide to Growing and Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds (A Down-to-Earth Gardening Book) [Paperback]

Marc Rogers (Author), Polly Alexander (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 3, 1991

Our grandparents did it.  And their grandparents before them.  In fact, saving seeds is as old as gardening itself.  Why then is it such a neglected component of gardening today?  Many say that because seeds from catologs are so cheap we don't need to save our own.  Have you figured out lately what you spend on seeds each year to grow the same plant?  (And doesn't it seem to be a little more each year?)  Now multiply that figure by the number of years you expect to have a garden.  Adds up, doesn't it?  But even if it still doesn't seem like a lot, the bottom line is that it's money you just don't have to spend!  Let Marc Rogers introduce you to the world of seed saving, where you will save money, strengthen your plant strains, and find a new appreciation and understanding of your garden.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This compact, clearly written book explains how to select, harvest, and store seeds from more than 100 vegetables and flowers commonly grown in home gardens. It is packed with common-sense advice including how to pollinate, how to avoid unwanted crosses, and which plant qualities to look for. Novice and skilled gardeners alike will wish to experiment with this rewarding and satisfying practice. Those seeking information on the history behind the principles of saving seeds may enjoy Gary Paul Nabhan's Enduring Seeds: Native American Agriculture and Wild Plant Conservation ( LJ 3/1/89). Recommended for gardening collections.
- Annette Aiello, Smithsonian Tropical Research Inst . , Panama
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“This paperback…will be treasured by both frugal gardeners and those committed to preserving old-time and regional strains of plants.”

United Press International

 

“This compact, clearly written book…is packed with common sense advice including how to pollinate, how to avoid unwanted crosses, and which plant qualities to look for….Novice and skilled gardeners alike will wish to experiment with this rewarding and satisfying practice.”

Library Journal

 

“Here in one compact paperback is all you need to know about growing garden plants from seed.”

Newark Star L edger

 

“Rogers tells you all you need to know to raise, harvest and store seeds for popular and easy-to-grow vegetable and ornamental plants.  It’s a plus, not only for the frugal gardener, but as a means of preserving heirloom varieties.”

The Plain Dealer

 

“[Saving Seeds] tells you how to collect, dry, and store seeds, how to test them for germination and what to look for in the plants from which you save seeds.”

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; Revised edition (January 3, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882666347
• ISBN-13: 978-0882666341
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #300,915 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saving Money, August 7, 2008

By 

Eric J. Ladnier "Dead At 40" (Pass Christian MS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Saving Seeds: The Gardener's Guide to Growing and Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds (A Down-to-Earth Gardening Book) (Paperback)

It is hard to justify spending money on anything when you live in poverty, but I thought that this book may pay for itself. I was right. I have only had it for a few months, and already it has helped me to grow enough food to pay for itself. My plan is to completely stop buying seeds within 3 years, and if all of the points in this book work as good as the ones that I have already used I see no problem with sticking with that plan.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Revive an almost lost heritage! Save Your Non-Hybrid Seeds, February 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Saving Seeds: The Gardener's Guide to Growing and Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds (A Down-to-Earth Gardening Book) (Paperback)

Saving seeds is a time-honored tradition. This book tells you all you need to know about how to raise, harvest, and store seeds for the easiest-to-grow and most popular vegetables and ornamental plants. Answers hundreds of frequently asked gardening questions.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for vegetable gardeners, July 22, 2008

By 

A. M. Ferrell (Tipp City, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Saving Seeds: The Gardener's Guide to Growing and Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds (A Down-to-Earth Gardening Book) (Paperback)

I bought this book so I could start harvesting my own seeds for vegetable gardening. This is the exact reference I was looking for. Each veggie detailed with instructions for selecting, protecting from cross polination, harvesting and storing. Lots of info for flowers too, but flower seed harvesting is much more straight forward, so I think it is covered appropriately.