Garden Work

Saving tomato seeds is slightly fiddly, but fairly foolproof. Note that F1 hybrids will not come true from seed

Saving tomato seeds is slightly fiddly, but fairly foolproof. Note that F1 hybrids will not come true from seed. Cut a ripe tomato in quarters and scoop out the seeds into a little tub (a cottage cheese container is ideal). Add tomato liquid supplemented with water so that the seeds are floating in about a centimetre of fluid.

Leave to ferment undisturbed for no more than four days in a warm (but not roasting) place such as a window sill or hot press. The fermentation breaks down the gel sac around each seed and has an antibiotic effect on certain diseases.

A mat will form on top. Remove this gently and wash the seeds thoroughly in a sieve. Dry in an airy place for some days and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry room or fridge. You can add a sachet of silica or rice to absorb any residual moisture.