Alva Review-Courier -

Seed saving is precisely that. Gathering seed saves money for the next planting season and also saves genetic strains that may have originated generations ago in family gardens.

But it takes planning and good timing.

"Seed saving has always been a common way to save seeds that were adapted to local climates or that had local historical value," said John Porter, an educator with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. "The practice has become much more popular with the increase of home food gardening and interest in heirlooms over the last few years."

Gardeners can save seeds from just about...