Teachings from the Seeds
In the homesteading world, there are moments that slip through our fingers like sand. The missed opportunities, the chances that elude us. One such instance occurred recently when my friend Chrissy and I were working in the garden this week. The weather was a glorious blue sky, no clouds, unseasonably warm October day. Chrissy mentioned,
“Lorna, we need to collect the seeds today whilst it’s warm”
we knew we were facing a downpour of rain overnight, we’d already tucked the yurt in, popped a new crown on her flue and tidied away the veg beds in preparation.
Alas, the day ran away with us and we didn’t have chance before we head on home for the day, save for a few token fennel seeds I pushed into Chrissy’s hand saying “smell these”. While in the past, this would have hit me hard, I've come to realise that seed saving is a dance with nature, a symphony of time and patience. Today, as I reflect on our missed chance, I find solace in the knowledge that there will always be more opportunities to embrace the art of seed saving.
To truly appreciate the art of seed saving, it is crucial to understand the unique rhythms of each plant. No two species are the same, and their seed-saving requirements vary. For instance, tomatoes have wet seeds that need to be fermented before they can be adequately saved. On the other hand, beans and peas offer dry seeds that can be directly harvested and stored. And the fennel I tucked into Chrissy’s hand, they just fall off with a brush of the fingers. By delving into the life cycle of our plants, we gain insight and enhance our ability to seize the right moments. It takes time and living with the plants for a while to find those rhythms, watching in all seasons to see what they do and how they respond.
In the past, my lack of knowledge about seasonal cycles and my inability to interpret weather patterns would have left me disheartened. A missed opportunity would have felt like a personal failure. However, these missteps have become valuable lessons along my homesteading journey. I've come to appreciate the importance of studying the cycles of the year, honing my skills in reading both the open sky and the forecast. It is through these experiences that I've learned the art of patience, understanding that nature's timetable doesn't always align with our own and ultimately, the natural world isn’t there to be bent or shaped by us, rather appreciated and revered.
Though our missed chance to save seeds may sting a little, I find comfort in knowing that there will be countless future opportunities. Nature is abundant and it offers us so many chances to partake in the miracle of seed saving. If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know my obsession with seeds in the spring, not from a biological perspective, simply the marvel of how varied and vast they all look and what incredible plants and trees they turn into… how can you not feel the awe of a simple kernel of corn turning into a towering stalk much much taller than us?! Whether it's the next season or the one after, the cycle will continue, presenting us with new moments to embrace. In each instance, we grow wiser, more attuned to the dance between the elements and ourselves. Isn’t that a beautiful lesson to pass on to our children?
As homesteaders, we are custodians of life's intricate tapestry on this beautiful little piece of land. Seed saving is not just a practical endeavour but a journey of discovery and resilience. While the disappointment of missed opportunities may linger, it is essential to remember that every setback holds the potential for growth. By understanding the unique rhythms of our plants, learning from our missteps, and embracing the ebb and flow of nature, we can find solace in the knowledge that more chances await us but ultimately we dance with the land, it’s not solely ours for the reaping. The art of seed saving is an ever-evolving symphony, and with each passing season, we become more adept at hearing its harmonious melody. So, let us celebrate the missed chances and the lessons they bring, for they pave the way to a future filled with bountiful harvests and the joy of saving seeds.
Photo: Lela Rowe Photography
B and I saving calendula seeds earlier in the season
