by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
Before the festivities begin and the calendar turns over to a new year, many people are preparing for their holiday tradition of trimming the tree. We’d like to share with you, another thought about this topic. It is a more sustainable thought with hints of long-term heirloom memories for years to come.
One of our friends and authors, Desere, who is the Office Manager (and more) at Turtle Island Preserve, sent in this timely article that we thought would be good to share right away. We hope you’ll pass this on to your friends and family this year. And we hope you’ll use some of the inspiration Desere has to offer to sustain the memory of the season from generation to generation.
The Off-Road Girl’s Guide to: Holiday Trees – Digging up vs. Cutting Down
Regardless of religious persuasions, cultural heritage patterns, or particular holiday traditions, throughout North America there’s an undeniable mass harvesting of evergreen trees each winter. Here in southern Appalachia, Christmas trees are big business. According to the national Christmas Tree Association, approx. 26 million live conifers were harvested and sold in our nation in 2014. On average, consumers pay from $35 – 50 for freshly cut firs, spruces and pines. And each year from late December into January, our neighborhood curbsides are scattered with a surplus of discarded trees.
Some municipalities provide composting sites where trees can be taken and chipped, and some even offer neighborhood pick-ups for compost/mulch operations, but a good majority of our fallen tannenbaums become landfill-bound. There are green alternatives from recycled-plastic reusable trees to stringing up lights on potted plants, but if your halls simply cannot be decked without the age-old tradition of harvesting a lush verdant evergreen tree – consider planting a live tree that you dug up, rather than cut down. Planting your annual investment can beautify your yard, create privacy and windbreaks and reduce future landscaping costs. You can design and enhance your homestead with the boughs of Christmas past.
It’s easy and here’s how:
Evaluate your yard and select an ideal location for an evergreen tree or trees. Think long-term gain. Consider permaculture concepts in choosing the right site for a tree or a row of trees to commemorate each season. Evergreens in favorable conditions grow quickly to create boundaries, provide shade, attract birds and an intentionally planted row creates a windbreak to shelter your home from north winds.
Depending on your location’s fall temperatures, dig your receiving hole well before the ground freezes. Once the earth is removed, you can lightly fill with compost or fallen leaves and cover with an old piece of plywood. Be mindful if you have livestock or small children that may be attracted to or susceptible to hazards in the yard like a new giant hole.
Some tree farms allow you to come out to dig instead of saw, but plenty of nurseries and home-centers have them already pre-balled and bundled for the convenience-oriented types too. If you’ve never dug up a tree by yourself, there are countless video tutorials online that describe the process in great detail but here are a few tips: Bring plenty of rope (I like mule-tape the best), burlap, a square-point shovel and a wheel barrel. Before you begin, bind the limbs and branches up and out of the way so you have plenty of room to work the tree from the earth.
If your ground freezes early, you can do the digging in October, flag your tree, leave it bound in its original hole and return closer to the holiday to pick up your tree. If you bring it home right away, have a 30-50 gallon galvanized wash tub ready to serve as your tree’s temporary “pot”; it helps to have a dolly beneath the tree’s tub so you can roll it from here to there. Loosen the burlap, secure the tree in the tub, adding earth if needed. Water it well and unbind the rope to reduce stress on the branches. Leave it in a shed or garage to acclimate your new little green friend from the cold outdoors to the heated indoors. Once you roll the tree into your warm and cozy home, choose a spot that is as far away from heat sources and near a window if possible. Your potted tree won’t mind having its branches misted. Decorate as desired and enjoy much less needle loss than from a sawn-down tree.
As soon as the season has passed, roll your tree back into the shed or garage for re-acclimation to the outdoors. On a fair weather day, return to your yard’s receiving hole with the potted tree and plant it, making sure not to go too deep.
It’s been said that “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, but the second-best time is today.” With a little extra thought and effort you can increase the value of your property and leave your family a lasting legacy of trees. In a few years your homestead can sparkle with a living commemoration for each year of holiday cheer. Traditions like this have a lasting positive impact not just on your wallet and the environment, but across the generations who will have both the memories you created inside the home, but also a meaningful personal connection to what’s planted just outside.
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Since 2006, Desere has lived and taught at Turtle Island Preserve. As office manager and Co-Director of Girls Camp and Young Boys Camp, she brings 10 years of experience as an outdoor educator having worked at various camps and educational institutions throughout the Nation. She has a wide and adventurous background in travel, art, and woodworking. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in fine art from The Rochester Institute of Technology and Associates in Visual Communications at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
LIMITED SPECIAL!
ONLY RUNS THRU DEC & JAN
Popular Questions
What are the benefits of digging up a holiday tree instead of cutting it down?
Digging up a holiday tree allows you to enjoy a living tree that can be replanted after the season, creating a lasting memory for your family. This sustainable practice not only reduces waste but also enhances your yard with greenery that can provide shade and attract wildlife. Additionally, it can save you money on landscaping in the long run as the tree matures and becomes part of your home’s natural beauty.
How can I prepare to dig up a holiday tree for the season?
Before digging up a holiday tree, evaluate your yard to find an ideal location that will support its growth. Dig the receiving hole well in advance, ideally before the ground freezes, and fill it with compost or leaves to enrich the soil. Gather necessary tools like a square-point shovel, burlap, and rope to secure the tree’s branches during the digging process.
What steps should I follow after bringing my dug-up holiday tree indoors?
Once you bring your dug-up holiday tree indoors, place it in a cool area away from heat sources to help it acclimate to the indoor environment. Water the tree well and consider misting the branches to maintain humidity. After the holiday season, gradually re-acclimate the tree back to outdoor conditions before planting it in your yard.
Can I dig up a holiday tree from a local nursery?
Yes, many local nurseries offer pre-balled and bundled trees that are ready for digging. Some tree farms even allow you to dig up your own tree, which can be a fun and engaging experience. Be sure to check with the nursery about their policies and the best practices for digging to ensure the health of the tree.
What should I do with my holiday tree after the season ends?
After the holiday season, it's important to replant your dug-up tree in your yard as soon as conditions allow. Choose a day with favorable weather to ensure a smooth transition for the tree. By planting it back in the ground, you not only preserve the tree but also create a living legacy that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog
Perhaps the Holiday Season puts you on the road or in the air to visit family, friends and loved ones. This is a time when situations may strike that are not handled the same as if you were in more familiar surroundings, with more familiar equipment or facilities that you find closer to home.
Whether it’s over the river and through the woods or all the way around the globe, there are several tips to well prepared travels – both domestic and abroad – that are important to take into consideration.
International Travel
Everyone knows that international travel can be a daunting experience, even for the seasoned traveler. A traveler may not know about the information that is made available to them through multiple resources regarding international travel, starting with the traveler’s chosen airline. Depending on where you are going will determine what you need to take and what you should watch out for. Some common items to reference prior to departing on your international flight include (but are not limited to): Travel Maps, Weather, and Currency Calculator. More definitive and required items include: Passport, Foreign Entry Information, Travelers Health, and Travel Warnings. The latter items are extremely important due to increased security threats throughout the world as well as illnesses that may be caught or spread from visiting other parts of the world.
As an international traveler, you may want to make a list of items you are required to take with you. This list will assist you to make sure you limit the speed bumps that can easily occur in international travel. It is also recommended that any traveler have a map, any warnings, and even U.S. Embassy information as electronic sources are not always reliable in other parts of the world. Can you think of the last time you could not pick up a wireless network prohibiting you from gaining needed information? Having this type of situation occur in a foreign country can instantly make the situation more undesirable.
Please do your research before your international travel and remember to be vigilant at all times. Here are some International Travel Resources:
Our friend, Joe Alton, M.D., aka Dr. Bones of DoomandBloom.Net wrote about Traveling & Survival while on a trip abroad as well. Here are some of his tips:
Be the Gray Man: The “Gray Man” is a person who can blend in anywhere without attracting attention; someone you would pass on the street and not remember. This is a highly useful quality to have in a survival setting, and helpful when you’re on the road in an unfamiliar city. You’ll be approached less by street vendors, pickpockets, and other ne’er-do-wells.
In Europe, this means wearing black. Black is “the New Black”, as they say in fashion circles. Hawaiian shirts, shorts, and flip-flops = Tourist (which equals ”target”). When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you want to know what they’re doing, use technology if it exists. Webcams are a great way to reconnoiter the surroundings.
Be aware, not scared: Be aware of travel alerts that indicate ce
rtain areas might not be safe at night. This is pertinent for survival scenarios also. You wouldn’t travel into raider territory without taking precautions. The same goes for dark alleyways. Situational awareness is the key to staying safe on the road and in times of trouble. Know where you’re going, and appear confident as you go there.
Prepare for the environment: In travel, whether while bugging-out, on wilderness outings, or to another country, you must be ready to function in the environment you’re entering. If you haven’t taken the environment into account, you have truly made it your enemy. If you’re underdressed, you’ll expose yourself to hypothermia. If overdressed, you may overheat. Check out expected weather conditions before you head out.
Wear the right shoes for the terrain and make sure they’re broken in, so you can avoid blisters. If you can’t trust the water in a survival setting, have water sterilization tablets available. If you’re traveling on vacation, you might consider bottled water.
Pack light, but pack the right stuff: If you going to be doing a lot of walking, whether it’s foraging for food in an apocalyptic wasteland or visiting museums, you don’t want to carry too much weight. I can tell you something about travel that is different from survival: In leisure travel, you will overpack. Period. You probably need half of what you put in your suitcase. We have traveled for a month in other countries with nothing but a carry-on bag, and you could too. In survival, you’ll need everything you’ve packed at one point or another.
Still, you want to have what’s necessary. You’ll want to carry enough clothes for the weather, but not so much that it’s a burden to carry. You’ll want to have access to food and water and have planned out considerations for shelter, whether it’s in a cave or a Holiday Inn. First aid items come in as handy in travel settings as they would in survival settings. Expect an article in the near future by Amy Alton, A.R.N.P., aka Nurse Amy, on exactly what that kit should contain.
Start off healthy: As I often mention, one of the keys to survival in a disaster is to be in the best medical shape possible BEFORE the event. While traveling, you’ll do a lot of walking and it makes sense to get in decent physical condition before you embark on your journey. Take regular walks and build your stamina.
Know how to deal with simple medical issues: If you’re a regular visitor to our website (DoomandBloom.net), you’ll have learned quite a bit about dealing with medical problems when advanced care is unavailable. In other countries, you will benefit from not just having medications and supplies on hand, but knowing how to use them.
Air Travel
Obviously traveling abroad means the high potential of air travel, but so does domestic travel. There are some things unique to air travel that require your attention for safety.
Your EDC needs an update for Air Travel.
Often if you have an every day carry list of items, many of them may not be allowed on the plane in the cabin iteself, overhead compartment or even in your luggage. You may need to update what you carry and have alternatives that are on the list of allowed items that you can use in different ways. Learning to use some ‘non-leathal’ items in ways to protect yourself is a vital skill when many EDC items are not allowed.
Be very aware in Airports.
Now is not the time to be hunkered into a corner with your nose burried in your cell phone or tablet. Keep your eyes open for any suspicious behavior or sudden changes around you. Keep your carry on items close to your side or attached to you. This is especially important if you are carrying a typical/non-descript bag.
Share your itinarary with loved ones.
Don’t board a plane (train or bus for that matter) without making those you love aware of certain criteria such as flight number, arrival and departure times. Often cell service is not as reliable in airports and they will want to know you are fine. We often use Flight Aware to keep tabs on our loved ones in the air and landing so they are not being called when they cannot answer or having to answere (thus not being fully aware of their surroundings) in a crowded airport while juggling luggage and gates.
All in all we hope these tips will help you to change your surroundings while feeling well prepared in unfamiliar ones. Wherever your journey may take you, we hope that you remain diligent to know that unforseen things can still occur and when you are best prepared, you’ll be the least affected and the most helpful – no matter where you are!
Popular Questions
What are some essential tips for well-prepared travels both domestically and internationally?
When traveling, whether within your country or abroad, it's crucial to have a checklist of essential items. Make sure to carry your passport, any necessary visas, and health documentation, especially when traveling internationally. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local customs, weather conditions, and currency exchange rates to avoid surprises. Always have a backup plan for communication, such as printed maps and emergency contacts, in case technology fails.
How can I ensure my safety while traveling abroad?
To stay safe during international travels, adopt the 'Gray Man' principle by blending in with local attire to avoid drawing attention. Stay informed about travel alerts and avoid areas known for safety concerns, especially at night. It's also wise to maintain situational awareness and appear confident in your movements. Preparing for the environment by dressing appropriately for the weather and terrain can further enhance your safety.
What should I pack for a well-prepared travel experience?
Packing light yet effectively is key for a successful travel experience. Focus on versatile clothing that suits the climate and activities you plan to engage in, ensuring comfort and practicality. Include essential items like a first aid kit, water sterilization tablets, and any necessary medications. Remember, overpacking can lead to unnecessary burdens, so aim to bring only what you truly need.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
Here at PREPARE Magazine, we’re always delighted when another Author who really walks the talk reaches out to share with us and you. Today’s Guest Blogger, Abby Artemisia is exactly the kind of grassroots instructor/teacher that we love introducing to you.
It’s interesting that Abby submitted this article while our most recent issue was in at the design desk. She had no way of knowing, other than that ‘feeling in the air’ what the cover of the most recent issue would be! You can get this exact Issue for FREE if you subscribe before November 15, 2015.
<- Just take a look at how appropriate it is in regards to this topic!
As with all of our Authors, Abby endeavors to live a more self-sustaining lifestyle. Her steps toward this lifestyle have taken her into her area of expertise. We are happy to introduce her to you and hope you will connect with her at the end of reading this article. Look for more from Abby within the upcoming pages of PREPARE Magazine!
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Squirrel Syndrome
By Abby Artemisia, http://www.mightyoakfromlittleacorn.com/
As I write this, it’s mid-October and I’m seriously suffering from Squirrel Syndrome. One of the last times I was in Asheville, my friend pointed to a squirrel, frantically running across the road with a nut in its mouth, and exclaimed, “Look, that’s you!”
We both burst out laughing, but it struck a chord somewhere deep inside of me. Then she said, “But just think, soon it will be winter and you can stop foraging.” Instead of calming me, that remark panicked me.
So what’s “Squirrel Syndrome” you ask. It’s when I feel like one of those squirrels who tries to run under your tires. I imagine their mouths are full of high-protein, health-supporting, oil-rich nuts, going to the equivalent of their root cellar. I start to believe they’re so hyper-focused on getting in the last of the available wild food, they barely (on a good day) stay alive.
That’s what I feel like this time of year. I have a list of at least twenty species of wild edibles and 
medicinals I want to harvest and preserve before it’s too late. I’ve been trying to get to the wild greens before they’re frost damaged, including things like sochan (the Cherokee word for cut-leaf coneflower) and raspberry leaf for tea. Luckily some greens like chickweed are hardier and will stick around most of the winter.
This is the perfect time of year for digging roots. My friend and I have been teaching about roots lately, like dandelion, burdock, chicory, and sun chokes (aka Jerusalem artichoke [neither from Jerusalem or an artichoke]). They’re all in the Aster family, and all have inulin, shown to help balance blood sugar, and prebiotics, the food for probiotics in our body.
And, of course, who can forget: nuts! Around here, there don’t seem to be many acorns this year. It changes from year to year. How about where you are? They can be a lot of work, but I think they’re worth it. I wish I would have harvested more chestnuts, but there still seem to be plenty of hickory nuts and black walnuts.
Instead of succumbing to the panic of Squirrel Syndrome, I’ve decided to remember about Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. I love this holiday because:
1) you aren’t expected to buy gifts for anyone, and
2) it’s all about gratitude for everything, but especially the abundance of nourishing, fresh food.
In that vein, I’m grateful that I got chestnuts at all this year. I’m grateful that the hickory and walnuts can wait to be processed until squirrel (syndrome) season is over. I’m grateful for the elderberries, pawpaws, and persimmons I harvested when I went home to Ohio to visit. I’m grateful to live in such an incredibly biodiverse region with so much wild food and medicine. I’m grateful, that though foraging is a lot of work, I get to do it in beautiful locations. Most importantly, I’m grateful to the plants for giving parts of themselves or even their whole lives so freely for my nourishment. Now off to gather the last of the nettles! Happy foraging!
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Abby Artemisia is a botanist, herbalist, professional forager and mom living in a small community in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She received her botany degree in Ohio, worked on organic farms across the country, and learned about plant medicine and spirituality from Native Americans. Abby teaches about edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms, while foraging as much as possible. Her mission is to inspire nature (re)connection and health empowerment.
Visit Abbey’s Website: http://www.mightyoakfromlittleacorn.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/abbyfrolickingintheforest/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyBotanistHerbalist/
Popular Questions
What is the fastest way to improve It’s “Squirrel Syndrome” Time of Year without making beginner mistakes?
The fastest way to improve It’s “Squirrel Syndrome” Time of Year is to simplify the process and control one variable at a time. Start with the most important baseline: define the goal, identify the main failure point, and test one change before making another. Keep short notes so you can connect the outcome to the adjustment you made. This prevents guesswork and helps you build a repeatable method instead of chasing random fixes.
What should you check first when It’s “Squirrel Syndrome” Time of Year is not working well?
Check the most immediate bottlenecks first: setup errors, missing inputs, bad timing, or inconsistent follow-through. Before buying anything new or changing the whole system, confirm that the basics are being done correctly and consistently. A small diagnostic checklist usually reveals the real problem faster than broad trial and error. Once the weak point is clear, make one correction and watch the result before adjusting anything else.
What common mistakes make It’s “Squirrel Syndrome” Time of Year harder than it needs to be?
The most common mistakes are changing too many variables at once, skipping the basics, and judging results too quickly. Many people also copy generic advice without adapting it to their exact situation, which leads to weak results and confusion. A better approach is to work from a simple baseline, make measured changes, and give each change enough time to show whether it helped. That makes progress easier to track and repeat.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Meet Our Contributors
We are honored that Joe Alton, M.D., aka Dr. Bones, and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P., aka Nurse Amy have been long-time 
supporters and encourages for PREPARE Magazine. Every since the very beginning they have shown great support in helping spread the news of peaceful, pragmatic preparedness to others. Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy have been instrumental in helping to launch the first print Issue of PREPARE and continue to contribute on a regular basis.
Joe Alton, M.D. is one of our Featured Authors. You can read many of his articles in the Print Issues of PREPARE Magazine.
Joe Alton, M.D. (aka: Dr. Bones) is a member of Mensa, collects 19th century medical books to gain insight on off-grid medical strategies. He is the co-author, along with Amy Alton, A.R.N.P. (aka Nurse Amy), of the #1 Amazon Bestseller in Survival Skills “the Survival Medicine Handbook“. The opinions voiced by Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy are for post-apocalyptic settings only; in normal times, they encourage you to seek modern and standard medical care from qualified professionals.
Back in November of 2014 Joe Alton, M.D., aka Dr. Bones, and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P., aka Nurse Amy were part of a very special Live Event. A Free Preparinar on “Hygiene when the Grid Goes Down”. It was a great success with many in attendance asking some great questions! Currently, this is on instant replay in the Premium Member Library Archive along with handouts and more information to help you be medically prepared.
During this Preparinar, attendees listened and learned about the following topics and more:
Building an off-grid medicine cabinet- Disposal of human waste
- Disease causing organisms in food
- Water sterilization
- Respiratory hygiene
- Infectious disease mitigation
If you would like access to this replay (and many others), please consider becoming a PREPARE Premium Member.
Joe & Amy both keep a pretty busy schedule. Between their website, classes, books and now online products, it was truly a privilege that Joe took some time to catch up with the Managing Editor of PREPARE and Podcast Hostess, Donna Miller on a recent episode.
Take a listen below to hear all the new things that Dr. Bones & Nurse Amy have going on and how they want to help you be medically prepared!
Your Preparation Station on BlogTalkRadio
If you’re not already familiar with them, we highly suggest that you check out what they have to say. We can whole heartedly endorse how they share their expertise.
Here are some other great ways to connect with Joe Alton, M.D., aka Dr. Bones, and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P., aka Nurse Amy:
We here at PREPARE Magazine have enjoyed working with Joe Alton, M.D., aka Dr. Bones, and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P., aka Nurse Amy for many years. We hope you will connect with them, learn skills from them, follow their advice and ask them for thier expertise as you become more prepared.
Popular Questions
What contributions has Joe Alton, M.D., aka Dr. Bones made to PREPARE Magazine?
Joe Alton, M.D., also known as Dr. Bones, has been a long-time supporter of PREPARE Magazine, helping to spread awareness about preparedness. He played a crucial role in launching the first print issue of the magazine and continues to contribute regularly with insightful articles. His expertise in off-grid medical strategies and survival skills is invaluable to readers seeking practical advice.
How can I learn more about off-grid medical strategies from Dr. Bones?
To delve deeper into off-grid medical strategies, you can explore the articles written by Joe Alton, M.D. in the print issues of PREPARE Magazine. Additionally, his co-authored book, "The Survival Medicine Handbook," is a top resource for survival skills. Engaging with his content will equip you with essential knowledge for medical preparedness in various situations.
What topics did Dr. Bones cover during the Hygiene when the Grid Goes Down Preparinar?
During the Preparinar event, Joe Alton, M.D. discussed critical topics such as building an off-grid medicine cabinet, water sterilization, and infectious disease mitigation. These subjects are vital for anyone looking to maintain hygiene and health during emergencies. The replay of this event is available in the Premium Member Library Archive for those interested in enhancing their preparedness knowledge.
How can I connect with Joe Alton, M.D. and Nurse Amy for more preparedness advice?
You can connect with Joe Alton, M.D., and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P. through their blog at Doom and Bloom, where they share valuable insights on survival and medical preparedness. They are also active on Facebook, providing updates and engaging with their audience. Following their work will keep you informed about their latest resources and advice.
What is the significance of Joe Alton's background in relation to his preparedness teachings?
Joe Alton, M.D. is a member of Mensa and collects 19th-century medical books, which enriches his understanding of off-grid medical practices. His diverse background allows him to offer unique insights into survival medicine, making his teachings particularly relevant for those interested in preparedness. This expertise is reflected in the comprehensive advice he provides through various platforms, including PREPARE Magazine.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
The traditional growing season is coming to a close. If you have grown heirloom tomatoes, then seed saving is next on the ‘to-do’ list. Here is a guest blog from one of our new writers here at PREPARE Magazine. We hope you enjoy these 8 Easy Steps to Fermenting Tomato Seed for Seed Saving.
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By Guest Blogger, Chris Smith
Some seeds need to be fermented in order to break down the gelatinous placental layer that surrounds the seed. Once this layer is broken down the seeds can be dried and stored in a cool, dark and dry location.
Step One – cut along the equator to reveal the seed categories
Step Two – squeeze or scrape seeds into a clean container
Step Three – top the container up with clean water and stir vigorously
Step Four – leave to ferment for 2-3 days. Stir daily
Step Five – seeds will sink to the bottom. Fermented gunk will form on top
Step Six – pour off the gunk, fill with water and pour off the gunk. Repeat until most of the gunk is gone.
Step Seven – do a final rinse to make sure seeds are clean.
Step Eight – allow seeds to dry thoroughly before storing. I use coffee filters
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Chris Smith is an enthusiastic grower and permaculture student from a green-thumbed family! On his ½ acre micro-farm, Chris is experimenting with landraces, selective seed saving, crop trials and seed grow outs. With a newborn in the family, the importance of resilient food systems is high in his mind. Chris works at Sow True Seed in Asheville, NC as the Community Coordinator and is active in promoting good quality, regionally adapted open-pollinated seed.
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Popular Questions
What are the easy steps to ferment tomato seeds for saving?
To ferment tomato seeds for saving, start by cutting the tomato along the equator and squeezing the seeds into a clean container. Add clean water and stir vigorously, then let the mixture ferment for 2-3 days, stirring daily. After fermentation, the seeds will sink, and you can pour off the gunk that forms on top. Rinse the seeds thoroughly before allowing them to dry completely.
How long should you ferment tomato seeds for saving?
Fermenting tomato seeds typically takes about 2-3 days. During this time, it's important to stir the mixture daily to ensure even fermentation. After the fermentation period, the seeds will settle at the bottom, and you can remove the floating debris. This process helps break down the gelatinous layer surrounding the seeds, making them easier to clean.
What should you do after fermenting tomato seeds for saving?
Once the fermentation process is complete, pour off the gunk and rinse the seeds with clean water to remove any remaining debris. Repeat this rinsing process until most of the gunk is gone and the seeds are clean. After rinsing, allow the seeds to dry thoroughly, which is crucial for proper storage. Using coffee filters can help absorb moisture effectively during the drying process.
Why is it important to ferment tomato seeds before saving them?
Fermenting tomato seeds is essential because it helps break down the gelatinous layer that surrounds the seeds, which can inhibit germination if left intact. This process also helps eliminate any potential pathogens that may be present on the seeds. By fermenting, you ensure that the seeds are clean and ready for storage, increasing their viability for future planting. Properly fermented seeds can lead to healthier plants in the next growing season.
