During late summer and early fall I like to start gathering seeds from vegetables and flowers to plant in the coming year. During the spring and summer I continually "dead head" flowers so that new blooms appear. Deadheading is the process of removing spent or faded flowers from plants. This gardening technique encourages plants to redirect their energy from seed production into developing more blooms, promoting a longer flowering season. Deadheading also improves the plant’s appearance by preventing it from looking scraggly or untidy.
Harvesting seeds from flowers in late summer or early fall is a great way to save favorite plants for future seasons and promote a more sustainable garden. The best time to collect seeds is when flowers have matured, and their seed heads are dry and starting to split open. Common flowers for seed harvesting include marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos.
To harvest, wait for a dry day, then cut the seed heads or pods from the plant. Place them in a paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place to fully dry out. Once dry, gently break open the seed heads to release the seeds. Remove any chaff or plant debris, as this can introduce mold during storage.