Saving Garden Seeds – Learn How at Free Workshop in Billings

Learn How to Save Your Seeds for Next Year’s Garden at a Free Workshop in Billings

It’s harvest time in Montana, and if your backyard garden is bursting with flowers, tomatoes, beans, cukes, or squash, now’s the perfect time to start thinking about next season.

The Billings Community Seed Library, in conjunction with the MSU Yellowstone County Extension Office, is hosting a free Seed Saving Workshop on Wednesday, August 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Billings Public Library (510 N. Broadway), and it’s open to everyone, from seasoned green thumbs to total beginners.

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Whether you’re trying to save a few bucks, grow more resilient veggies, or preserve the heirloom varieties your grandma used to plant, this workshop has you covered. You’ll learn from Dr. Megan Poulette, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Botany at Rocky Mountain College. She’ll walk attendees through the basics of seed saving, like how to collect, clean, and store seeds from common garden vegetables and native plants.

Expect some practical info on plant lifecycles, how to tell the difference between hybrids and heirlooms, when and how to harvest seeds, and some tips for better germination next spring.

Now is the time to plan for next year's garden adventure.

Seed saving is one of those old-school practices that just makes sense, especially in a place like Montana, where a short growing season and unpredictable weather mean gardeners need every advantage they can get, not to mention saving a few dollars on future seed purchases.

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If you're a gardener who's proud of this year’s harvest, this free workshop could help make next year’s even better by using your seedstock. For more info, contact Anthony Sammartano at the MSU Yellowstone County Extension Office: 406-256-2828.