Growing from seed is pretty rewarding stuff. I’ve grown tomatoes for a long time as they are super easy. I have yet to master the art of saving seeds, but I have a few books on the subject so am hoping to learn. When we were down at the old farm awhile back my ex boyfriend’s mother and I attempted to save some heirloom tomato seeds but we didn’t get the process right. It still looked pretty.

The proper way to save tomato seeds:

• Choose the best ripe fruit from the best plant
• Scoop out the seeds and jelly membrane into a clean container
• Add a small amount of water
• Partially cover the container and leave in a warm place out of direct sunlight to allow fermentation
• After a few days remove the foamy mould on the top and then thoroughly rinse the seeds
• Lay seeds out and allow to dry for roughly a week
• Store in an envelope in a dry dark place

The Backyard Farmer has an illustrated guide if you need more info.

My brother and sister in law bought me a bunch of lovely heirloom seeds which I first planted in rich seed raising soil in protected little containers, and then transferred to the ground at the old farm and Nonno’s.

Unfortunately most things I planted at the farm got eaten by bugs and rabbits, but my beans did really well, and I was able to fill my hat to the brim with crunchy green beans.

All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.