My Dad died two years ago and I came across some tomato seeds he had saved from a particularly tasty grocery store tomato. I've been growing them and it feels good. Planning on saving the rest of the seeds for my kids, since they loved their grandpa so much.

45 years of gardening, and I see 90% nonsense on the internet. keep up the good work!

My grandmother had a continuous tomatoe garden in the same spot for decades. She never trimmed or staked the vines. They sprawled everywhere and grew some of the best tomatoes for fresh eating and canning. She would leave lots of ripe ones on the vines to self sow for the next growing season.

I love this guy, so positive, always walking through what seems like an endless garden of perfection

I tried fermenting seeds. It works. Too much trouble. I've done this for a loooong time and it works just fine. Find the tomato you want to save seeds from. When you slice the tomato for eating, smear a few of the seeds on a paper towel; no washing, no fermenting, just smear. Dry seeds and paper towel very dry. Put them in a zip lock bag. Store in a dark place or even freeze them til next year. When ready to plant, lay the paper towel or bits of the paper towel on the prepared dirt and cover lightly. Keep moist, until they sprout. They always sprout; every single seed.

I have a degree in horticulture and have worked in the business for over twenty years. It makes me so happy to see you giving good advice and explaining why doing things the right way helps. Keep up the good work!

Really good info. Just like my grandparents taught me. Also people dont realize how long properly prepared seeds last. I have seeds 30+ years old, that still reliably sprout and grow into full producing plants

Love seeing your dog. Ours dies 2 weeks ago and this soothed my soul watching him in your garden. Plus felt the endorphins as you were stroking him. Thanks for sharing him along with your wonderful seed tips!

I never fail to learn something in your videos, James. The same goes for your fans. Thanks for the envelope seed keeping method. I’m 66 years old and I don’t believe that you can’t learn from the young. They may not have as much life experience but, I guarantee you, there’s a lot of really ingenious ideas from young people. I planted a garden a few weeks ago with the help of my nephew, his wife and their children. I just marveled at how much I learned that day from my 10 year old great niece and her family. My garden looks beautiful, by the way. I wasn’t blessed with a green thumb, so I’ll take all the help I can get!

I have been seed saving for 40 years. I used to tie different coloured ribbons to the plants I wanted to save seed from. I selected the strongest, (red ribbon) the earliest fruiting, (green ribbon) the most prolific (yellow) and the best tasting (blue). I don't do the ribbon thing any more though. Several years of each selection cross pollinating has given perfect results. I have always spread seeds like tomato or capsicum (bell peppers for Americans) onto toilet paper, then left on the window sill inside the house to dry. (no fermentation) By the end of our Australian summer, the seeds are drier than an Arab's sand shoes. Come Spring, I merely rub the toilet-tissue-covered seeds in my hands then plant them. A little bit of toilet paper won't stop them from growing, and if I happen to plant several of them in a clump, I can transplant them later. Thanks for the great vid...

I used to buy my tomatoes as plants from the nursery. Now I'm starting my own inside in the spring. In the future I will save my own seeds and be completely self sufficient! Thanks James!

One time after using some tomatoes for cooking, I threw the seeds attached to the part of tomatoe where the stem meet, into a few of my plant pots as a top compost thing. All the seeds were sprouting after a few weeks. We weren't sure what was growing until the sprouts grew real leafs to realize they were tomatoes.

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 Love Tuck! I just got finished watching another gardener who picked her ornamental/flint corn, it was the "bloody butcher" heirloom variety I believe, she showed all the pretty ears and then she showed the ears that were sparse and didn't fill out and she said "but these won't go to waste, because I will save them for seeds that I sell to all of you" I left her a comment and said, "I would not buy seed from you because every good gardener knows you only save the seeds from your very best vegetables and fruits. You never save seed from vegetables that came out deformed, or vegetables that are the smallest, sickly, or not your very best." You hit the nail on the head when you spoke about people misinforming others about saving seeds.

Lately i "grow" some tomatoes that sprout in the hens yard from scraps that the hens got. I dont know which variety started it but now they have around an inch in diameter fruits and healthy strong and kinda compact plants. They produce like crazy and the fruits ripen really fast. By the time my other tomatoes die off they just keep going literally to the frost. Nice bite sized juicy tomatoes. This year we had stink bugs ruining the garden. Its a new thing here. But the "wild" tomatoes are surviving well and since the fruits grow and ripen quick the bugs dont do much damage in them. These are now my favourite tomatoes since literally they grow themselves. We did not touch them at all until we started harvesting them. And they sprout again each year from the fallen fruits. Meanwhile the hens garden the place. Sweet deal! :)

“The path of least resistance leads to crooked rivers and crooked men.” ― Henry David Thoreau Fabulous! Love you, Tuck and James. I have learned so much from this channel!

This is exactly how I have been saving my tomato seeds. I am very interested in learning how to save the more difficult vegitables, like carrots, lettuce, etc.

I have always put my dry seeds in a paper envelope. Plastic bags can rot the seeds if there is any moisture.

Seeing little Tuck and the love you have for him -- heals my broken heart. Like gardening does.

One last quip. Never underestimate the power of gifts from the compost pile. Some of the best plants i have ever grown came from compost surprise plants. Also seeds from hybrids can produce some amazing fruits. That flovorless tomato matter they sell in stores can provide some amazingly delicious fruits, they will probably be de-hybridized (not the same as the fruit they came from, see mendel and his peas) but thats where the magic lies.

It's 2020 and people realize that we are being lied to by every big business.

Tuck isn't fooled by 'gardening hacks'. Tuck learns from the best. Be like Tuck.

Tuck is always my sunshine! I get pure joy watching him enjoy the fruits of your labor🌻🥒🥕He will always be super healthy living the way God intended 🐾🙏

Thank you for sharing your insight. It's a blessing to give knowledge and to receive it. Please keep up the great work. You have inspired my husband and I in our gardening adventures. Big hearts to Tuck and you ♡♡♡

I remember growing grape tomatoes one time many years ago. I grew it from one of those upsidedown hanging planter bags on our back porch. My mom likes eating tomatoes and she'd usually grab a couple each day to snack on while she drove to work.

Yes, this is an efficient and accepted method for saving seeds. I've done similar for years. I've also just stomped on tomatoes where I want them to be growing next year, and they grew. Usually better than those that were nurtured from the sprouting of the saved seeds. Why? Likely because only the strongest survived. I have learned that survival rate without much effort is more important than germination rate. Why do you think a plant produces so many seeds? To criticize the method of just putting a piece of raw tomato in the ground as wrong is not prudent. It DOES work. As you gain more experience in gardening and learn more about cooperating with nature, you will find that mold is not an enemy.

I've watched many gardeners and their videos, since I'm starting my own garden, you are by far the best. Love the energy, positiveness, and passion for a garden. Keep it up 👍

Hi everyone! I must be the exception that makes the rule. Every year I buy my tomato plants at the garden center but this year I saw that video and went and bought a few different kinds of organic tomatoes at the grocery store and saved a slice of them from the salad preparation and put them in soil. Maybe beginner's luck, this season from those slices I planted 13 tomato plants of three different varieties. Beautiful, strong plants that have produced kilos and kilos of tomatoes. I said strong because they are still producing and I live in southern Ontario, we have a couple weekends with night temperatures on the 5°C and I thought that was it but they are still here. Again, maybe beginner's luck. Definitely I'm using these techniques to save seeds from these great plants for next year. Wish me luck. Happy gardening next year everyone!!!

I love Tuck and you are great! I've been growing my food for all my adult life and feel like a novice every year. There's always something new to learn Love your techniques and your enthusiasm.

I love seeing Tuck! I love him digging his holes, and eating his carrots and cucumbers! So adorable!. He def brightens my day! I love all the advice you give too, thanks so much, I am learning a ton, This is my first year gardening, My hubby has gardened a lot, but he learned as he went so there are some things he don't know, i tell him what i learned and he tells me stuff he knows, we make a great team!

Tuck is the cutest, what a peaceful soul, i am happy for you both to have eachother and the love of being in the garden

I love seeing Tuck! He is adorable very sweet guy! I never tried saving tomato seeds but I will definitely give it a try after watching you. I repurpose RX bottles for seed saving, the amber color blocks bright light. I peel off the medication label and replace with my own hand written one , Dollar Tree sells them 15 or more in a package. Love your channel James!

I'm an old timer and my grandparents and even my greats taught me when I visited them on the farm. So sound advice thanks for stepping up and being an encourager.

❤️ your precious dog I have a shadow dog myself. Harley is always with me in the garden he’s my protector.

How could anyone day NOT be brightened by seeing MrTuck?? Thank you so much on how to save seeds the correct way 😊

James and Tuck influenced me to start my food forest. I hope Tuck stays healthy and strong

Tuck needs to be in EVERY video! Thank you for the tips. Appreciate this video!

Tuck is a damn star. Just adore him ❤

I never knew about how to save seeds. I'm in my 50's from an aggie family and wind up buying my tomato plants every year and have done lousy with seeds. Now at least I know what to do with harvested seeds. Thanks! I already knew about hybrids and GMO's.

Thank you so much! This is my first year gardening and Ive had some success, but much room for Improvement!

I just did this for the first time yesterday! I am in absolute LOVE with gardening :)

Thank you so much!!! I love your heart, and Tuck of course ♥

I saved seeds last year for the first time. This year, everything did great except my peppers. I've had hell with peppers this year, even store bought seeds. The tomato variety is a beefsteak. I bought the seeds year before last. That first year, the tomatoes that had end rot or worms, I just tossed them in the container they were in. Last year, one of the tomatoes germinated. I transplanted them. I had 2 gardens last year, one at my house and one at my grandpa's house. The one at my grandpa's house, I had problems with. Water well went down a few times, and someone turned off the water for about a week. About a week before the 1st freeze, I had 1 green tomato growing. Everything was slowing down on producing, so I turned off the water. I went back out about a week after the freeze to clean everything up. That one tomato survived and ripened. I definitely saved the seeds from it. I germinated them this year and they are flowering already. Gave some away so other people can have that line of tomatoes. From what I've heard, it should have a higher frost resistance, I'm hoping it does. But I'll be saving seeds from it this year as well

Thank you gorgeous guy. I really appreciate these comments. I have been saving tomato seeds ( and a whole lot of other seeds) but I am a complete novice and your info was really really helpful. Many thanks. Blessings from Australia

Thank you for all your help!! Lots of knowledge in such important times we're living in now. We really need to know how to grow our own food. Absolutely love Tuck so handsome!! What a great little friend you have there❤

Put a dried pea or a few pieces of dried rice in with your seeds to keep them dry. An excellent video👍😆👍

I agree. I never watch videos that dont include peoples product. Great info. Thanks for sharing

I have been doing this for years but i like your clear explanation... Tuck is your buddy, body guard and quality controll. And when you love him it shows that you are s pretty cool dude! Thanks my brother!

Enjoy seeing your garden. It amazes me what an abundance you have! Thank you for taking the time and showing each step of how to save the seed. Hello to Tuck! He's a real cutie!

James, I can attest that this method yields seed that remain viable for much longer if properly stored. I'm glad you are doing these more sensationalist titles, but actually giving good advice instead of the typical click bait.

I have been gardening for 30+ years and get the same germination rates regardless of method. Fermenting in a jar, drying on a paper towel, burying the slice or removing the jell with napkin/paper towel and drying. All worked for me with consistent results. The slice method just clumps them too close together making separating more difficult. As far as planting 2nd generation hybrid seeds I have experimented and you can isolate the plants after every generation. But you need to plant a lot of them to ensure you have a decent amount of plants to save the seed from the plant with the characteristics you desire. Too time consuming unless you really want to experiment with genetics. Having said that, saving hybrid seeds always resulted in a good tasting tomato and similar plants. Good info on your fermenting method for other people wanting to try it.

You are the best on KZfaq you give good advice, and I can absolutely be sure of that by looking at your garden. Everything you’ve told me has work fantastic. I live in southern Arizona where the temperatures do rise to about 100° sometimes but with your help I’ve been able to grow lush garden with many vegetables and beautiful flowers. Thank you so much oh, and I left tuck❤️. Keep going I really enjoy your videos. You’re one of my favorite places to stop on KZfaq.

Thank you so much for showing!! Peace and blessings to you.

I love your videos man, keep them coming. And Tuck is awesome. Thanks for your hard work.

Tuck is so cute and I love how he eats the veggies right out of the garden. He is an awesome little guy.

I always follow what you say, James! You and Tuck have increased my gardening skill and enjoyment many fold! ♥♥♥♥

Your timing is impeccable!! Have just planted a load of seeds etc and am already wondering how to reseed etc next season!!

Very happy I found you. I have been gardening for over 10 years too and learned by myself that many things you hear are not true. Now I moved to Michigan and am learning about northern fruit trees. I saw your video about planting apples from seeds! I learned a lot. Thanks. I like to. Know more about northern fruit trees. I have in my small backyard over 30 fruit trees!!

Hi James and Tuck. Great vid as always. Love seeing your garden and the hard work you have put into it. You have actualy inspired me to start my first small 20x30 foot garden in my back yard. Just got my chips down for the winter. Looking forward to starting it up in the spring. And more vids from you..

You are awesome! My goodness, I learned a lot. I just started seeding, and the tips you have are so efficient and logical. Thanks a lot! I’ll be sure to subscribe and watch more. Seriously, thank you!

Thank you James for always thinking about the new gardener. Your words have been comforting in my own garden path.

Thank you for the true behind-the-scene of saving seeds. I've never been successful with it before. I sure gonna try it again! :D

Tuck is the coolest love watching him pluck carrots out of the ground and eat them. I enjoy watching all your videos bro

Apart from the most incredibly useful advice, I love listening to you Mr Prigioni for your oomph and enthusiasm - impossible not to go out there immediately to put that advice into practice! Strange, my other gardening guru is Huw Richards - a softly spoken, laid-back chap. What a great combination for.inspiration! Thanks Mr Prigioni!!

Wow - Thanks so much for this. I did the slice in the ground once and got dozens of plants. Not one made it to fruit. Now fighting cancer im working toward a garden again. Thank you🙏

I just put the seed on a piece of paper and let it dry. No special treatment and next year I plant them and they grow. I have some cherry tomatoes in my garden that selfseed for couple years now. Its basically a weed that keeps growing abundantly.

An excellent video. Thanks. And Tuck was awesomely Zen-like in this episode.

Thank you James!!! Although I am by no means a new gardener, and I FO have a green thumb that goes ALL THE WAY TO MY ARM PIT, I have never saved seeds, except for marigolds. I am trying to save some seeds this year, and had only seen the info about slicing the tomato and burying it. I am thankful I stumbled across your instructions!! And yes, I enjoy watching Tuck!!! He is ADORABLE and, I think adds a lot to the show!!

Definitely going to try this. I've never been a gardener. Starting today thanks to you!

Perfect timing for this as I'm flirting with the time of our first hard frost and I've got a tomato I love the flavor of. I completed your survey as well. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love Tuck and enjoy your videos!

So glad I found your video. Thank you for sharing and caring. God bless you and your garden.

Love Tuck! My dogs always hang out with me in my garden. They are the best companions, co-workers, and garden partners ❤️

A tomato seed is one of the few near indestructible seeds. They will grow after passing through the human digestive system and through the sewage works. They will also grow if you just squish a tomato slice onto the ground. Buying them in little packets also works.

I have been gardening ever since I was a child. I got my green thumb from my grandfather. I will agree, if you are saving seeds, this is absolutely the best way to do it for the best results. However, I also have to kind of disagree with not burying the tomato. Every fall, I let a few tomatoes remain in the ground and every spring, I have strong healthy plants from those tomatoes. You can always tell where the tomato was buried because there will be a dozen sprouts in one area. I just pinch off the smallest ones and let the largest grow. The biggest issue with doing this is when there is an early warm up in the spring and then another freeze spell. That will kill the sprouts, if you don't protect them. It's always best to start your tomato plants indoors and transplant them when the weather stays warm. I've never planted a slice of tomato in the spring. I would think the tomato needs the winter to naturally remove the sprout inhibitor. I am in now way a specialist, this is just my input. I do enjoy the information you put in your videos. But I have to say, they can be a struggle to watch. The editing from clip to clip is just so jumpy. I personally would like a smoother transition between takes. (Just a little constructive criticism. I'm not trying to insult) Keep up the good work.

Great simple video. I am using your method this year to save seed. I do have to say that my best tomatoes this year were volunteers from my compost.

Hi. Thank you for so clearly showing the removal of the sprout inhibiting layer. What a difference it makes knowing this aspect!

Wow, this really is a learning channel thank you so much. Hi Tuck I was wondering where you were.

Great as always brother! Much love from Pittsburgh.

Thank you for this information. I will try it this year. LOVE SEEING TUCK!

I feel the same way so proud of you for making this for people this is also how I do it and it’s the best way in my experiences

Thank you for the information!! I've learned something I didn't know. Tuck is such a cutie!! Survey completed!

such great info!! thanks!! hi handsome Tuck!! 💕

Thank you so much for this encouraging and accurate vote of confidence. I've got my little snacking shadow too, named Eli. They'd be great friends!

thank you ! (wonderful to see someone LOVE their Pet...Tuck is adorable )

I love this video. Good seed video about tomato seed curing. 🐩 Hello Tuck. I'm going to do this method tomorrow. Thanks again. 😉

Thank you for sharing another extremely informative and educational video, brother.

I have grown may things from the sorce but nothing co.pares to a good seed thanks for all your videos it keeps me going on what's important and steadfast on things I've done for years even I experience there is always room to grow 💕 thank you so much for sharing your passion for a green thumb 👍 💚

Great information. I love seeing Tuck in your videos. He’s such a good loyal buddy to you. Thanks.

Perfect timing! I’ve fallen in love with ground cherries this summer and want to save the seeds to grow next year. Also just got back from the Carolinas with a bunch of perennial flower seeds that I foraged. Wondering if I can just plant some of the seeds now to see if they can get a head start on next year or if they have to go through a resting or chilling period...hmmm...

My Yorkie follows me everywhere. Tuck is adorable

Hey tuck, great to watch old videos. You rock James, thx for everything Here’s tucker some hearts to go with his kale stalks. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

💕❤️ Love Tuck. I watch your videos a lot and thank you for all the great advice.

I Love seeing Tuck 💖he's so Cute !!

I always save some the normal way just in case but honestly I have so far had just as many plants com up on their own from letting a few rot on the ground where they grew.

What a positive and delightful guy! I love his videos!

Love seeing Tuck in your videos! Thanks for your great advice, too. BTW, I have been using untreated cedar shavings on top of my veg garden soil and elsewhere in the garden. They work great to keep weeds down to almost none and repel flies and other bugs, too. Smells wonderful, no added chemicals, and keeps in moisture. Sold in big plastic covered bales at Lowe's, Walmart, feed stores, and some garden centers for about $8-9/per bale. It is marketed as bedding for pets on label. 3-4 bales amply covers, 2"-3 deep, my small veg garden of about 600 sqft. Seedlings push through it easily. I also use it as cat litter. Keep growing your own food to stay healthy and reduce carbon footprints!

I love saving seeds! That way I can have plenty, because, being real here, stuff happens sometimes. Good to know there's more seed if something goes wrong.

That detailed info makes a lot of sense.

Thank you for A-Z guide with demonstration. Agree that many utubers doing videos who dont show their garden, just talks, dont even show the process.

Great info. Tucks cute. Love to see him hanging out with you, while enjoying the garden.