How to Take Seeds from a Tomato to Plant

Tomatoes are not only a staple in many diets; they're also a great plant to grow in your own garden. If you've never considered saving tomato seeds from your own plants, now is the time to start. It's a simple process that doesn't require any special tools or skills. Here's how to take seeds from a tomato to plant.

Step 1: Choose Your Tomato

The first step in taking seeds from a tomato to plant is selecting the right tomato. Choose a ripe, healthy tomato because it will have mature seeds. Avoid tomatoes that are overripe or diseased because they may have damaged, unusable seeds.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato

After selecting your tomato, cut it open at the equator using a sharp knife. Be sure to cut around the stem to completely separate the two halves. Gently scoop out the tomato seeds and its pulp into a bowl using a spoon.

Step 3: Ferment the Seeds

Put the tomato seeds and its pulp into a glass jar or plastic container. Add a small amount of water until the seeds are covered. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and poke a few holes in it to allow air to circulate. Leave the container in a warm area, like a windowsill or countertop, for 2-3 days. This process will ferment the seeds and break down the gelatinous substance surrounding them.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry Seeds

After the fermentation process, the seeds in the container should have a slimy texture. Pour the seeds and water into a fine-mesh sieve or strainer and rinse them with water. Remove any remaining pulp or debris. Spread the seeds onto a paper towel or coffee filter, and allow them to dry for at least a week. Stir the seeds occasionally to prevent clumping.

Step 5: Store Seeds

Once your tomato seeds are completely dry, store them in a plastic bag or a glass jar with an airtight lid. Label the container with the tomato variety and the date it was harvested, and store in a cool, dry place until planting season.

Now that you know how to take seeds from a tomato to plant, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes from your own garden every year. Remember to separate different varieties to keep the different types of tomatoes separate. With a little bit of patience and some good weather, you'll soon have plenty of homegrown tomatoes to enjoy!