Seeds need heat and water to start the growing cycle
This year in December, I finally got around to harvesting the seeds from my Fall pumpkins. When I opened them up, there were seeds sprouted inside.
I had forgotten how amazing gourds are. They were saved in root cellars and sustained people all winter long. As long as the skin is not compromised, they will last for months.
So instead of taking all the seeds, I took 2/3rds. The last 1/3rd I left in the pumpkins and added soil to them.
I wanted to see if I could get the pumpkins to grow on the hill in a permaculture style, which means that they will basically be on their own. So I placed them under a bunch of piled-up sticks that we are using to build berms on the steep hillside so they have protection. I’m using the theory that Mother Nature plants her seeds in the fall and then waters them heavily all winter long. I will keep you posted!
The rest of the seeds were brought inside, cleaned, and dried. They will be added to The Butterfly Hills seed bank. And some will be planted undercover in small greenhouses in January so they will be ready to transplant in the Spring.
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