This summer you grew beautiful and healthy pea plants that fed your family all summer. Well let’s take advantage of those. Let’s save some pea seeds to grow for next year’s planting. This is super easy to do and very cost friendly, you’ll never have to buy pea seeds again. Now who doesn’t like saving money, I know I do.
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How to save the pea seeds
You are going to want to leave some of your pea pods one the vine to dry out. Once they have over matured, they will begin to turn light yellow to brown. Once completely dried out the peas become hard inside. To ensure they are ready you can give them a good shake. You should be able to hear the peas rattle around inside. Depending on the variety of your pea plants the color of the seeds can vary from light green, tan, yellow, or even brown.
If you aren’t able to leave your pea plants on the vine to mature, don’t worry. It is still easy to dry out fresh peas. Bring your freshly picked peas inside and spread them out on a baking sheet. Be sure that the pea pods aren’t touching one another or on top each other. The drying process may take a few days to a week. Finally, your pea pods will eventually turn light yellowish, brown and the pea inside will harden.
How to store the pea seeds
After your pea pods are completely dried you want to remove them from the pods. Spread out the pea seeds on a baking sheet and let them dry for about another week. To store them you can use a plastic container, an envelope, glass jar, or Ziplock bag. Make sure to keep your container in a cool dry place.
Is there a certain type of seed to start with?
Yes, you want to make sure your pea seeds that you’ve been planting and harvesting are heirloom open-pollinated variety. Having open-pollinated varieties will guarantee you get the same variety each year you plant. Seed from a hybrid plant won’t give you the same variety, it leaves you with a mystery variety. Although some may be excited and open to trying new varieties, it can also leave you with a plant you may not like. Therefore, using heirloom open-pollinated seeds when starting, leaves you with the best and reliable results.
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Seed drying rack: https://amzn.to/46KFzhq
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