Seed Saving for Herbs and Homesteading: An Herbalist Mom’s Guide

As a mom, herbalist, and homesteader, one of my favorite parts of gardening is saving seeds. There’s something magical about collecting seeds from your own plants—tiny packets of life that carry your garden’s story from one season to the next. Not only does seed saving save money, it helps preserve heirloom varieties, supports biodiversity, and allows you to grow plants that thrive in your specific garden conditions.

Why Save Seeds?

Saving seeds isn’t just practical; it’s empowering. By saving seeds from your healthiest herbs, you can:

• Preserve plant genetics: Keep the traits you love, like flavor, fragrance, or hardiness.

• Save money: Avoid buying seeds every year—your garden can become self-sustaining.

• Teach kids about nature: Seed saving is an amazing hands-on lesson in life cycles and plant care.

• Promote resilience: Over time, plants adapt to your soil, weather, and growing style.

When to Save Seeds

Timing is everything. Seeds are ready to harvest when the plant has fully matured and dried on the stem. Here’s a quick guide:

• Annual herbs (like basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley): Harvest seeds when flowers have dried but before they shatter.

• Perennials (like echinacea, mint, or thyme): Often best to wait until seed heads dry naturally in late summer or fall.

• Flowering herbs (like chamomile or calendula): Allow the blooms to dry completely before collecting seeds.

Tip: Always save seeds from the healthiest, most vigorous plants to ensure strong offspring.

How to Save Seeds

Seed saving can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be:

1. Collect seeds: Snip seed heads or pods from fully matured plants.

2. Dry thoroughly: Lay seeds on a paper towel or mesh screen in a dry, ventilated area.

3. Clean: Remove chaff or debris by gently rubbing or winnowing.

4. Store: Place seeds in labeled envelopes or jars in a cool, dark, dry location.

For herbs with tiny seeds, like basil or thyme, you might need a fine mesh sieve to separate seeds from the plant matter.

Easiest and Most Difficult Herbs to Save Seeds From

Easiest:

• Basil

• Cilantro

• Dill

• Oregano

• Parsley

Moderate difficulty:

• Chamomile

• Calendula

• Echinacea

• Mint (can cross-pollinate easily, so you may get unexpected hybrids)

Most difficult:

• Carrots and celery (biennial, require overwintering)

• Fennel (cross-pollinates readily)

• Any hybrid varieties (seeds may not grow true to type)

Starting with easy herbs ensures success and builds confidence before tackling the trickier plants.

Tips for Success

• Label everything: Keep track of plant variety, harvest date, and any notes about growth.

• Rotate seeds: Don’t keep seeds longer than a couple of years for best germination.

• Dry completely: Moisture is the enemy—it leads to mold and lost seeds.

Saving seeds is a gift you give to yourself, your family, and the future of your garden. It’s a skill that brings independence, connection to nature, and joy in seeing the full cycle of life repeat year after year.

Want to Learn More About Herbs and Seed Saving?

I teach all of this—and more—in my Roots & Remedies Family Herbalism Course. It’s designed for families, homeschoolers, and herbalists of all levels. You’ll learn plant identification, herbal preparations, and practical homesteading skills—including seed saving!

Ready to start your garden this year? Find seeds and garden supplies here to get started, and watch your family grow alongside your herbs!