Chile Seed Harvesting 101

When I got my invitation to the 4th annual tomato pepper seed exchange the other day, I figured it was about time to actually get some seeds ready.

As simple as it is to turn this: into this: it amazes me that more people don’t have their own seed collections.

Feelin’ Hot! Hot! Hot!

While I enjoy all the vegetables that we grow, it must be said that chiles are my passion.

As much as I enjoyed spicy foods, I didn’t really become obsessed with growing my own until we dug our first real garden in Baltimore.

As our “backyard” was composed of about 90% patio bricks, 7% gravel, 2% sand, and 1% good soil, it was a pretty sad affair.

Exhibit A
Note the ADT sign in the backyard

Exhibit B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nevertheless, by adding pots, a topsy-turvy, and low expectations, it was enjoyable. In fact, much to my delight, I did get a few decent peppers out of it, although not as many as I would’ve liked. In truth, it was probably much more work than it was worth by any standard.

After we got back from our honeymoon,