{"title":"cucurbit","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"white-wonder-cucumber","title":"Miniature white cucumber","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCucumis sativus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStory: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful white mini cucumbers best picked when quite young at about 2'', these grew well for us as a compact vine which happily climbed supports and nets. The fruit becomes gradually more yellow as the fruits age - developing a nice lemony flavour. We originally received this seed from the Heritage Seed Library.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saved by:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omved Gardens \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow indoors between March and April - at 21 – 24 degrees C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucumbers require good, steady warmth to germinate, plants will die off in frosty greenhouses so bring inside if temperatures fall below 8 degrees. They prefer to grow in a greenhouse or polytunnel but can survive outside from Mid May. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for food :\u003c\/strong\u003e June - Oct\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for seed saving:\u003c\/strong\u003e September onwards when fruits get huge and change colour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaving seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucumbers cross readily with other cucumbers so either need to be distance isolated (Eg: grown in a polytunnel or greenhouse far away from other varieties). Or the flowers need to be isolated and hand pollinated so that they do not cross pollinate (See video). Once hand pollinated, allow the pollinated fruits to grow way beyond eating size, they will change colour (depending on variety). Once the vines begin to die back, bring the hand pollinated fruits inside and store them in a cool, dry place for two weeks (this helps the seeds fully mature). Cut the fruits open, scoop out the seeds \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x4IpAoBTzko\"\u003e(watch our video on this), \u003c\/a\u003ewash and dry fully. Package, label and date. Save as many seeds as you can to share with friends, family and of course seed networks. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsolation required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of plants to save seeds from:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5 \u003c\/span\u003eminimum, 5 or more is ideal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Insect\u003c\/span\u003e pollinated  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to send seed back:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease label all seed with variety, type, date and your contact. If you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you\/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1 tablespoon of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Seed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just four packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Community groups and Experienced Growers can order larger quantities, please email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@seedsaving.network\"\u003einfo@seedsaving.network\u003c\/a\u003e if this is the case.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Seed Saving Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41041132191927,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/5479\/7239\/files\/DSC09302.jpg?v=1741100833"},{"product_id":"courgette-striato-di-napoli","title":"Striato di Napoli - Courgette","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCucurbita pepo \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStory:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA beautiful green courgette striped with lighter green\/cream lines. This is an early, bush courgette that produces prolifically. The flesh is firm even as they get quite large and they don’t sprawl too much, making them great for growing in smaller spaces. The pollen producing flowers are edible too.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003eWhen to sow:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eS\u003cspan\u003eow indoors March-May in small pots, 1.5cm deep. Once they have around 5\/6 leaves, harden off outside before planting out in May. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRequirements:\u003c\/b\u003e Squashes love soil which is rich in organic matter, mix in some compost and they'll thank you!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen to harvesting:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e B\u003cspan\u003eest harvested while of 10-15 cm long. If harvested regularly the plant will keep on giving. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting for Seed saving:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick fruits when way beyond eating stage - the colour should have changed - usually turning paler and getting huge. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsolation Needed?:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaving seed: \u003c\/strong\u003eSquash cross readily with other squash and pumpkins, so they either need to be distance isolated (Eg: grown in a polytunnel or greenhouse far away from other varieties) - this is usually impossible in a garden setting as the isolation distance is up to 3km. The best option for small scale seed saving is to instead isolate the flowers and hand pollinate them so that they do not cross pollinate. Always pick the healthiest plants to save seed from. Once hand pollinated, allow the pollinated fruits to grow way beyond eating size, they will change colour (depending on variety). Once the vines begin to die back, bring the hand pollinated fruits inside and store them in a cool, dry place for two weeks (this helps the seeds fully mature). Cut the fruits open, scoop out the seeds, wash and dry fully. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x4IpAoBTzko\"\u003e(watch our video on saving seed)\u003c\/a\u003e. Package, label and date. Save as many seeds as you can to share with friends, family and of course seed networks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of plants to save seeds from:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3 \u003c\/span\u003eminimum, 5 or more is ideal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Insect\u003c\/span\u003e pollinated  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to send seed back:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease label all seed with variety, type, date and your contact. If you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you\/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1\/2 of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Seed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just four packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Community groups, Seed Saving Network Guardians and experienced growers can order larger quantities, please email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@seedsaving.network\"\u003einfo@seedsaving.network\u003c\/a\u003e if this is the case.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seed Saving Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41691367014583,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/5479\/7239\/products\/striatodinapolicourgettessnpic2.jpg?v=1676566243"},{"product_id":"early-fortune-cucumber","title":"Early Fortune - Cucumber","description":"\u003ch5\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCucumis sativus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStory: \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis is a ‘real’ cucumber with great flavour and thicker skin than supermarket varieties which means it stores better. It was bred in 1900 by a farmer called George Starr who selected just one plant that fruited early from a whole field of cucumbers. Hence the name 'Early Fortune'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen to sow\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarch - April indoors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eRequirements:\u003c\/b\u003e Nutrient-rich soil, regular watering, and a lot of sun.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for food:\u003c\/strong\u003e June - September\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen to harvest for seed:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e September onwards as fruits get huge and change colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNeed to isolate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeed Grown:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omved Gardens \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaving seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucumbers cross readily with other cucumbers so either need to be isolated (Eg: grown in a polytunnel or greenhouse far away from other varieties) or the flowers need to be hand pollinated so that they do not cross pollinate \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x4IpAoBTzko\"\u003e(watch our video on this)\u003c\/a\u003e. Once hand pollinated, allow the pollinated fruits to grow way beyond eating size, they will change colour (depending on variety). Once the vines begin to die back, bring the hand pollinated fruits inside and store them in a cool, dry place for two weeks (this helps the seeds fully mature). Cut the fruits open, scoop out the seeds, wash and dry fully. Package, label and date. Save as many seeds as you can to share with friends, family and of course seen networks. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to send seed back:\u003c\/strong\u003e Please label all seed with variety, type, date and your name and contact, if you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you\/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1 tablespoon of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: \u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just four packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Community groups and Experienced Growers can order larger quantities, please email us if this is the case. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Seed Saving Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42194649415863,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/5479\/7239\/files\/DSC06428.jpg?v=1705598239"},{"product_id":"cucumber-wautoma","title":"Cucumber - Wautoma","description":"\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCucumis sativus \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis seed was kindly donated to us by Maggie from The Incredible Seed Library - a medium cucumber -  best grown in a greenhouse or polytunnel but can be grown in a warm spot outdoors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saved by:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maggie \u0026amp; Omved Gardens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow indoors between March and April - at 21 – 24 degrees C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucumbers require good, steady warmth to germinate, plants will die off in frosty greenhouses so bring inside if temperatures fall below 8 degrees. They prefer to grow in a greenhouse or polytunnel but can survive outside from mid May. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for food :\u003c\/strong\u003e June - Oct\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for seed saving:\u003c\/strong\u003e September onwards when fruits get huge and change colour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaving seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucumbers cross readily with other cucumbers so either need to be distance isolated (Eg: grown in a polytunnel or greenhouse far away from other varieties). Or the flowers need to be isolated and hand pollinated so that they do not cross pollinate \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x4IpAoBTzko\"\u003e(See our video for more info)\u003c\/a\u003e. Once hand pollinated, allow the pollinated fruits to grow way beyond eating size, they will change colour (depending on variety). Once the vines begin to die back, bring the hand pollinated fruits inside and store them in a cool, dry place for two weeks (this helps the seeds fully mature). Cut the fruits open, scoop out the seeds, wash and dry fully.\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x4IpAoBTzko\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003ePackage, label and date. Save as many seeds as you can to share with friends, family and of course seed networks. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsolation required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of plants to save seeds from:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5 \u003c\/span\u003eminimum, 5 or more is ideal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Insect\u003c\/span\u003e pollinated  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to send seed back:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease label all seed with variety, type, date and your contact. If you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you\/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1 tablespoon of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Seed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just four packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Community groups and Seed Saving Network Guardian and experienced growers can order larger quantities, please email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@seedsaving.network\"\u003einfo@seedsaving.network\u003c\/a\u003e if this is the case.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Seed Saving Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42343276445879,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/5479\/7239\/files\/WAUTOMACUCUMBERPICTUREFROMISLWEBSITE.webp?v=1708948312"},{"product_id":"trieste-white-cousa-summer-squash","title":"Trieste White Cousa - Summer Squash","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCucurbita pepo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStory: \u003c\/b\u003eThis is a cousa type courgette which originates from West Asia. We originally came into contact with this variety from the wonderful grass roots seed company Real Seeds. We use it just as you would a courgette and love it for its tasty, early fruits that just keep coming and coming, it is a really productive variety. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen to sow:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eS\u003cspan\u003eow indoors March-May in small pots, 1.5cm deep. Once they have around 5\/6 leaves, harden off outside before planting out in May. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRequirements: \u003c\/b\u003eSquashes love soil which is rich in organic matter, mix in some compost and they'll thank you!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHarvestin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e for eating\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pick fruits when young and firm. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting for Seed saving:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick fruits when way beyond eating stage - the colour should have changed - usually turning paler and getting huge. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsolation Needed?:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaving seed: \u003c\/strong\u003eSquash cross readily with other squash and pumpkins, so they either need to be distance isolated (Eg: grown in a polytunnel or greenhouse far away from other varieties) - this is usually impossible in a garden setting as the isolation distance is up to 3km. The best option for small scale seed saving is to instead isolate the flowers and hand pollinate them so that they do not cross pollinate (See video). Always pick the healthiest plants to save seed from. Once hand pollinated, allow the pollinated fruits to grow way beyond eating size, they will change colour (depending on variety). Once the vines begin to die back, bring the hand pollinated fruits inside and store them in a cool, dry place for two weeks (this helps the seeds fully mature). Cut the fruits open, scoop out the seeds (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/seedsaving.network\/blogs\/cucumbers-courgettes-melons\/how-to-save-seed-from-cucumbers?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=57c07d1c7\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003ewatch our video on this\u003c\/a\u003e), wash and dry fully. Package, label and date. Save as many seeds as you can to share with friends, family and of course seed networks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of plants to save seeds from:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3 \u003c\/span\u003eminimum, 5 or more is ideal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Insect\u003c\/span\u003e pollinated  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to send seed back:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease label all seed with variety, type, date and your contact. If you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you\/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1\/2 of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Seed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just four packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Community groups and Experienced Growers can order larger quantities, please email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@seedsaving.network\"\u003einfo@seedsaving.network\u003c\/a\u003e if this is the case.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Seed Saving Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56650399744373,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"blue-banana-pumpkin","title":"Blue Banana - Pumpkin","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStory: \u003c\/b\u003eThis high yielding, heirloom produces beautiful greenish blue to grey storage squash with a long shelf life and ornamental colours. Squash of this type were popular for home growers but have been gradually replaced by the more common butternut squash types. With roots in Guatemala, Blue Banana does well outdoors here in London with plenty of feed, sunlight and watering during dry periods. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen to sow:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eS\u003cspan\u003eow indoors March-May in small pots, 1.5cm deep. Once they have around 5\/6 leaves, harden off outside before planting out in May. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRequirements: \u003c\/b\u003eSquashes love soil which is rich in organic matter, mix in some compost and they'll thank you! It is difficult to overfeed this type of squash.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHarvestin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e for eating\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pick fruits when fully mature and hard skin has fully formed to store or eat after a period of curing in a dry, frost free space. Store  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting for Seed Saving:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick fruits when way beyond eating stage - the colour should have changed - usually turning paler and getting huge. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsolation Needed?:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaving seed: \u003c\/strong\u003eSquash cross readily with other squash and pumpkins, so they either need to be distance isolated (Eg: grown in a polytunnel or greenhouse far away from other varieties) - this is usually impossible in a garden setting as the isolation distance is up to 3km. The best option for small scale seed saving is to instead isolate the flowers and hand pollinate them so that they do not cross pollinate \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/x4ipaobtzko?si=bitawv6ozfelv_ik\"\u003e(Watch our video here\u003c\/a\u003e). Always pick the healthiest plants to save seed from. Once hand pollinated, allow the pollinated fruits to grow way beyond eating size, they will change colour (depending on variety). Once the vines begin to die back, bring the hand pollinated fruits inside and store them in a cool, dry place for two weeks (this helps the seeds fully mature). Cut the fruits open, scoop out the seeds, wash and dry fully. Package, label and date. Save as many seeds as you can to share with friends, family and of course seed networks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of plants to save seeds from:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3 \u003c\/span\u003eminimum, 5 or more is ideal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Insect\u003c\/span\u003e pollinated  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to send seed back:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease label all seed with variety, type, date and your contact. If you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you\/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1\/2 of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Seed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just four packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Community groups and Experienced Growers can order larger quantities, please email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@seedsaving.network\"\u003einfo@seedsaving.network\u003c\/a\u003e if this is the case.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Seed Saving Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56650414260597,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/5479\/7239\/files\/PHOTO-2025-07-21-17-22-06.jpg?v=1769515075"},{"product_id":"cucumber-wautoma-copy","title":"Cucumber - Wautoma (Copy)","description":"\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCucumis sativus \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis seed was kindly donated to us by Maggie from The Incredible Seed Library - A medium cucumber -  Best grown in a greenhouse or polytunnel but can be grown in a warm spot outdoors. Seed saved by Maggie.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saved by:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omved Gardens \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow indoors between March and April - at 21 – 24 degrees C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucumbers require good, steady warmth to germinate, plants will die off in frosty greenhouses so bring inside if temperatures fall below 8 degrees. They prefer to grow in a greenhouse or polytunnel but can survive outside from Mid May. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for food :\u003c\/strong\u003e June - Oct\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for seed saving:\u003c\/strong\u003e September onwards when fruits get huge and change colour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaving seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucumbers cross readily with other cucumbers so either need to be distance isolated (Eg: grown in a polytunnel or greenhouse far away from other varieties). Or the flowers need to be isolated and hand pollinated so that they do not cross pollinate (See video). Once hand pollinated, allow the pollinated fruits to grow way beyond eating size, they will change colour (depending on variety). Once the vines begin to die back, bring the hand pollinated fruits inside and store them in a cool, dry place for two weeks (this helps the seeds fully mature). Cut the fruits open, scoop out the seeds (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/seedsaving.network\/blogs\/cucumbers-courgettes-melons\/how-to-save-seed-from-cucumbers?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=57c07d1c7\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003ewatch our video on this\u003c\/a\u003e), wash and dry fully. Package, label and date. Save as many seeds as you can to share with friends, family and of course seed networks. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsolation required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of plants to save seeds from:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5 \u003c\/span\u003eminimum, 5 or more is ideal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Insect\u003c\/span\u003e pollinated  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to send seed back:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease label all seed with variety, type, date and your contact. If you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you\/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1 tablespoon of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Seed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just three packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Community groups and Experienced Growers can order larger quantities, please email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@seedsaving.network\"\u003einfo@seedsaving.network\u003c\/a\u003e if this is the case.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Seed Saving Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56665205014901,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/5479\/7239\/files\/WAUTOMACUCUMBERPICTUREFROMISLWEBSITE.webp?v=1708948312"},{"product_id":"giant-achocha","title":"Giant Achocha","description":"\u003ch5\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-processed=\"true\" class=\"Yjhzub\"\u003e\u003cem data-processed=\"true\" class=\"eujQNb\"\u003eCyclanthera pedata\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStory: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis unusual vegetable is hard to place on the culinary scale - some describe it being used like a green pepper and cooked into stews and chillies. We liken it more to a cucumber and eat it raw. We also love it lacto fermented and pickled when picked young and firm. The fruits are hollow and spiky with big black seeds inside. They are prolific growers that do well outside and love growing up a trellis or fence as the vines can get very long so give them lots of space. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saved by:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omved Gardens \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow indoors March - April \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e They are hungry plants and love a good dressing of compost and they prefer something  to climb up. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for food :\u003c\/strong\u003e June - Oct\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest for seed saving:\u003c\/strong\u003e September onwards when fruits get huge and change colour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaving seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Achocha will cross with other varieties of achocha so just grow one type if you plan to save seed - since it is such a rare veg this probably won't be a problem. Allow fruits to get really big and ripe on the plant, pick, cut open and scoop out the seeds - ripe seeds will be very dark brown\/black - if they are beige\/ light brown they probably aren't viable seed. Dry the seeds thoroughly inside then package, label and date. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x4IpAoBTzko\"\u003eSee video here\u003c\/a\u003e. Save as many seeds as you can to share with friends, family and of course seed networks. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsolation required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of plants to save seeds from:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1 \u003c\/span\u003eminimum, 3 or more is ideal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Insect\u003c\/span\u003e pollinated  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to send seed back:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease label all seed with variety, type, date and your contact. If you didn't get a chance to fill out our online data collection form, you can also send us a few lines about how it grew for you\/flavour etc. Please aim to send back 1\/3 cup of dried seed or more so that we can continue to share with network members. Send to: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Seed Saving Network, Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, N6 5JF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 4 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just three packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Community groups and Experienced Growers can order larger quantities, please email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@seedsaving.network\"\u003einfo@seedsaving.network\u003c\/a\u003e if this is the case.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Seed Saving Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56665205768565,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/5479\/7239\/files\/PHOTO-2026-02-06-14-13-19.jpg?v=1770389437"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.omvedgardens.com\/collections\/cucurbit.oembed","provider":"The Seed Saving Network","version":"1.0","type":"link"}