Starting & Saving Seeds: Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Flowers for Your Garden

by Julie Thompson-Adolf

Grow fabulous food and flowers from seeds, then save seeds to make next year's garden even better.
 
Creating dinner from food you’ve grown provides a fantastic sense of accomplishment. Now, imagine the pleasure of starting plants from seeds , tending them, planting them in your garden, harvesting their fruits, and enjoying a delicious meal or bouquet. But that's not the end of the journey. Now you can turn around and save the best seeds for next year’s garden . Suddenly, you’re self-sufficient; you’ve grown your own garden from seed to seed.
 
In this book, you'll find  the tools you need to become a seed starting and saving champion . Author and gardening expert Julie Thompson-Adolf walks you through every step of the journey, making the entire process a joy. You’ll find hints to encourage stubborn seeds to germinate, lists of varieties to add to your garden, charts for quick growing reference, and simple DIY projects to aid your seed starting and saving adventure. (Learn how to make seed bombs and an indoor seed-starting station.) The extensive plant entries inside  cover all the most popular vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers . Get started with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and melons, or chamomile, cosmos, sweet peas, and poppies—accompanied by beautiful photography from Libby Williams.
 
Whether you’re an experienced gardener new to seed starting and saving or a brand-new grower, you’ll soon have healthy, productive, beautiful plants for your garden .

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference, Plants

160 pages, Hardcover

Published October 2, 2018

Reviews

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seed saving has interested me for sometime now, but its not easy to find the information on all the different plants. Until now!
whether beginning out or an experienced gardener and seed saver you will find information of use in this book.
The photos are lovely and the information is thorough and well written in an easy to read format.
This book is a seed saving bible , with an A/Z meet and greet of fruits and veg, advise on not just saving seeds but planting, and sowing also.
A wonderful book, that would make a lovely gift. .

[Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an amateur gardener I really appreciated Starting & Saving Seeds. Author and gardening expert Julie Thompson-Adolf takes the confusion out of the entire process for newbies and avid gardeners alike. I especially appreciated the hints to encourage stubborn seeds. The DIY tutorials are very helpful and the accompanying photography is stunning.

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good beginning book on how to save and start seeds. Lots of good advice and techniques. Nicely photographed.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting & Saving Seeds by Julie Thompson-Adolph

October 2018

I received this digital ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing in exchange for an unbiased review.

This book is well organized and beautifully illustrated. This book is for those who are passionate about gardening. After I successfully planted and harvested my small garden many years ago, I was hooked! I love this book as it speaks from the heart of a gardener! Everything is easily explained including pictures. It’s hard to express the sense of pride and accomplishment one feels after successfully getting your seed to seedling and finally in the ground. When it produces a harvest you can’t help but want to boast and share! Learning how to save seeds is an art itself! It always gives me great pleasure to share seeds! It’s spreading joy and kindness!

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome reference from starting seeds to saving seeds book, I for one will be buying this book for my future gardening journey.

When I put in a request for this book I didn’t expect to get approval being a romance book blog but when I see the book in my Netgalley shelf I jumped for joy and I was not disappointed.

I started raised beds for my vegetables a few years back and had figured out how to save several seeds myself and have been pleased with my progress, but as I bring in new vegetables there are some I have no clue how to save the seeds so, I need some kind of reference or help to figure out how I save seeds for them plus, this year I expanded my gardening and bought over 300.00 dollars worth of flowers this summer so I knew I had to do something to save the seeds because I refuse to spend that kind of money each year. So, when I saw this book on Netgalley you know how happy I was to see it on my approved shelf.

Now, for the book review, I really loved how the author starts with simple sowing technique and brings you to save the seeds. No, she does not go into each plant on how to save the seed of that plant but she gives you both methods and she lists the way to save the seeds in each plant reference in the back of the book.

I’ve been direct sowing my seeds because my indoor seeds were a flop the first year, so I am hoping the simple tips will help me try indoor sowing again and succeeded next spring.

This is a great book for any gardener to have on their shelf.

[Carolyn McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for a beginner at saving seeds, or anyone else who is looking to expand their seed saving knowledge. Lots of pictures and information without dumbing it down. I expected to skip and read parts that reflected where I was at in my seed saving knowledge, but I found myself reading it through, cover to cover. It's a highly readable, informative book that I'm glad I was granted an ARC to review. Thanks to the publisher and author!

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting & Saving Seeds Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Flowers for Your Garden by Julie Thompson-Adolf is a totally garden geek's book of awesome! Julie's directions are very detailed. She covers a multitude of different flowers and vegetables. There are techniques for how to choose seeds that are good for your growing area as well as the proper way to collect seeds from the plants you would love to propagate. Then the author takes you through the planting stage and how to be successful in your germination and growth of the seeds you have collected. I have been looking for years for this type of book so that I can multiply the black eyed suzies, geraniums and other assorted flowers. The book also delves deeply into how to save vegetable seeds. I have always wanted to save the seeds of vegetables that were awesome over the summer. The author encourages and instills the joy of growing and saving seeds that I am absolutely going to go out and start today. I highly recommend this book as it is chock-a-block full of ideas and information. If you have a green thumb or wish to improve one you already have this is the book for you! Well done Ms. Thompson-Adolf.

I would like to thank the publisher Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press, Julie Thompson-Adolf and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great reference book for seed starters. Enjoyed the pictures and author’s tone. This book has gotten me excited to more officially save my seeds and plan to start them in the early spring. This book can be used for all types of gardeners with the reference material being a quick way to look up when to plant seeds for all types of plants.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became interested in seed saving years ago and began on my own with little success on any fruit or vegetable seeds. I have been able to with an azalea to my surprise and one other plant I don’t know the name of. Now with this book and with guide and suggestions for some of my failures I am ready to begin again with fruit. I also think that this book will be helpful for many people because once you get the right plant growing or fruit tree, it is nice to have it come back the next year or year around without going out and having to repurchase seeds or some people buy starter plants. The book has simple DIY and even nice photos, everything for you to get started in your garden. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Janine Brouillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting and Saving Seeds is a bright colorful book with great step by step pictures that walks you through the entire process of seed starting and even how to save seeds for next year. The book is divided into two parts: Part I How to Start, Grow, and Save Seeds - which takes you through seed terminology, ways to start seeds indoors and out, how to care for them, and how to preserve seeds. Part II Meet the Plants is divided into Fruit & Vegetables and Herbs & Flowers - this is a great section with great pictures that tells you when and how to plant. As a gardener, I have bought seed and plants from stores for years to begin my garden each year, so this was an exciting book to read and learn from and now share with my children and grandchildren. It covers vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs seeds and is basically your new seed saving reference book with wonderful pictures. It’s a keeper!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting and Saving Seeds by Julie Thompson-Adolf is user friendly, appealing to the eye and full of great information. Julie's writing makes you feel like she is your friend and she is in the room with you, guiding you along. She gets you started from equipment set-up to soil & seed prep. She includes directions for building your own indoor seed starting station... nothing is too complicated or overwhelming for your budget. The second half of the book is especially amazing. There are lots of veggies, flowers and herbs listed with all the info you would need to have to know when to sow, when to transplant, special needs for each seed, and how and when to harvest your seeds for next season. This book is great for a beginner or a seasoned gardener.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine “growing” your meals and your table bouquets from produce in your garden. This beautifully photographed and info-rich guide helps you do just that through showing you how to start plants through seeds you’ve saved. And once your garden is grown, you can save seeds for next year’s garden, becoming self-sufficient many times over. Includes tips on getting hard-to-grow seeds to flourish, ideas for what to add to your garden, easy DIY projects, plus quick growing reference charts. If you don’t yet have a green thumb, you soon will after reading Starting & Saving Seeds! 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine. Pub Date 02 Oct 2018. #StartingSavingSeeds #NetGalley

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books about starting and saving seeds I have seen for awhile. Why? because it explains thinks in simple terms, it has photos and it make it look like fun. The part on collecting seeds is very practical and informative, especially the information on extraction, processing and protection from cross-pollination.
There are also information on making seed bombs, seed tapes and winter sowing with homemade mini glasshouses.
There also is an informative section relating to different flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit, giving full details including photos of the plant and seed information. Most of the plants are easy to grow, so there isn't likely to be disappointment with the germination results.
A good book o start with

[Sheryl Normandeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a bit gaga over this book – as far as I’m concerned, for new gardeners, it is the best book on the subject of seed starting and saving that I have seen so far. Beautifully written in accessible language that you don’t need a botany degree to understand, Thompson-Adolf’s Starting and Saving Seeds covers all the important stuff: germination, grow lights, heat mats, seed tape (DIY!), propagation and growing media, containers, winter sowing, and wet/dry processing of harvested seeds. Most of the book is taken up with plant profiles and specific seed starting/saving tips for each one, delving into veggies, herbs, and flowers. The expanded section on tomato seeds – apparently a subject near and dear to the author’s heart – will be bookmarked by many readers, I’m certain. This fantastic reference guide is a must-have!

[Kristen Nickels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this on display at my local library and checked it out without a second look. The book I didn’t know I needed! So much relevant information all in one place. Will be purchasing my own copy to reference over and over again. Highly recommend.

[Jesika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've come across about seed saving and starting your plants from seed. Excellent information about companion planting. Highly recommend to anyone growing anything from seed.

[Jackie Lantern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good starters guide for cultivating seeds, even for complete and total amateurs. The author provides an exhaustive list of flowers and vegetables you can plant, and their ideal parameters. An excellent way to start!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been invaluable and is an ongoing reference for me. I especially appreciate that it gives information on when NOT to cover seeds when sowing because they need light to germinate. I've not found this information easily in the past.

[Jonesy.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Thompson-Adolf's "Starting & Saving Seeds" is an excellent guide to storing seeds for planting in future seasons. There are lots of great tips and tricks to help keep your seeds over winter, how and when to get them started, and how to get those pesky ones that just don't want to cooperate to finally germinate for you. Full of beautiful photography that alone makes this book a treasure to enjoy.

[Arlene Arredondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a must have!
The details and instructions are great for beginners that want to start a garden.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes and an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved gardening. Plants of all types like flowers, fruits and veggies. I love watching something grow from a tiny little seed. Seeds can get quite expensive when purchased at a garden center. This book will guide you through collecting the seeds from the plants you have grown or even ones bought from the store, how to prepare them, store them and replant them next season so you will have an endless supply of seeds in the future. Most are supper easy, simply take them out of the fruit, veggie, or flower, allow them to dry then store them in an airtight container. Some seeds need to placed into a refrigerator for germination purposes. The book will give you step by step directions for all things seeds. The book is very informative and easy to follow.



I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com and chose to leave this review.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving and Starting Seeds
By Julie Thompson-Adolf
A gardener’s delight, no matter the gardener’s level; new to the fun of playing in the dirt or even the well-seasoned gardener. Saving and Starting seeds is filled full of information: how to plant various types of plants; when to plant the seeds, and where; how much or little: sun and water needed to make sure they grow to their fullest ability; there is even information on how to treat: for insects; prevent diseases; and proper drainage. Full of useful information for the end of the growing season, how best to preserve and care for the seeds gathered for the next seasons growing.
Wonderfully writing and put together, a delightful read and a quick reference book for gardener on the run or those in a hurry to find necessary information. With words that are easy to understand for those new to gardening, with explanations to terms that am not be understand for the new gardener. I was saddened when I got to the end of this book, it was so informative; even for me, a mid-grade gardener. It has been a few years since, I have had the place to have any plants; so, in a way I am new to growing. I think in some ways we all are new to growing; with the new hybrid types of plants and seed that are on the market these days and the care that they require.
Mrs. Thompson-Adolf shared some wonderful alternative methods of recycling and reusing some of the household by-products to incorporate in the starting of the seeds; all in the efforts of saving not only money; but, also to help save our environment. I applaud this author for sharing new ways of using the out-of-the-ordinary household items as vessels that can be used to start seeds. I am all about saving the planet in which we live on; we all need to do our part to keep our home alive and healthy. I must give her two-thumbs up and a rating of 5 out of 5-stars.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone starting out in gardening from seeds (I’ve bought the poly-greenhouse, the seeds, the compost, etc), this book is everything I could wish for. As a non-fiction book I expected I’d dip into it at points where I needed to, but I found myself reading it from start to finish and then going back to the parts I need at the point I’m at. The book is easy to read, without being condescending, and the photographs add to this and gives quick reminders. The part where it lists the plants/flowers is helpful giving useful information for beginners such as myself. I would recommend this to anyone who is starting out growing from seed and those who need a little more guidance.

[JCS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book extolling the virtues of collecting your own seeds. It explains clearly the different and most effective ways to start, grow and save seeds. There are plenty of tips for collecting from a variety of fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs. A detailed and useful book for anyone keen to sow and grow seeds, with plenty of photos to complement it. Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book ful of interesting and detailed instructions and beautiful pictures.
It’s very useful for people who love gardening.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc

[Mary Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

Really fun, instructional book with very good pictures.

I didn't know how hard seed saving could be. Did you know you should ferment your tomato seeds before trying to germinate? And you might want to exclude pollinators from fertilization. Yup, you might have to fertilize flowers yourself since those sometimes pesky pollinators will pollinate randomly and cross-fertilize to give you some surprises.

I really enjoyed the book and am taking a lot of advice for seed storage and germinating this fall. I am going to try my hand at vernalization (tricking nature, as I see it) to get my seedlings started before spring.

This is also a fairly good reference book. I could have used a few more pictures. I would have been happier if a color picture accompanied every plant listing.....and for that matter, I would have liked a few more plant listings. But the book is really helpful and interesting, perhaps not meant to be the be-all and end-all of reference books. And though some might use this as a coffee table book, it's much more utilitiarian -- like a good cookbook -- and it will benefit from a few compost and juice stains.

[Sabina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lifesaver for everyone who loves gardening or makes first steps in this area. The book in itself looks great with photos and step by step tutorials. i think is one of the most useful books about growning your own food that I have seen in a while. I highly recommend it!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the gardening books I have thumbed through always seem to start with the assumption that you already have seeds or seedlings ready to go. This is probably the most complete book I have come across as far as saving & starting seeds. The first three-quarters or so of the book are filled with beautiful, full-color photographs, tutorials & how-tos. The last quarter has individual information for harvesting and starting a variety of plants.

While I received a free digital version of this book, I will be adding the hardcover to my library not only for the information but it is just in general a gorgeous book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully presented with gorgeous photos of lush plants and glorious crops - exactly what every home gardener wants to see in their own garden! This is by far my favourite book of all my recent seed-saving reading. It covers everything - from starting seeds to building your own seed starting station from PVC. The first half of the book is about seed starting and growing and the second half focuses on what individual vegetables need to be successful growers and seed-makers. Then on to herbs. And finally on to flowers! An enjoyable read from start to finish! If you want to grow from seed, this is the one to read!

[Kay Defreese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every year I plant a vegetable and a flower garden and every year I buy seeds which adds up to money spent. This book provides valuable information on saving your seeds so you can save money year after year on your seeds. Learn tips on the appropriate time to harvest and how to store them to be used for the following year.

Thanks to Netgalley and Cool Springs Press for providing me a copy of this book to read and review.