Save Zucchini Seeds: A Step-By-Step Guide

Saving zucchini seeds involves several critical steps to ensure successful seed saving. First, seed saving is essential. Zucchini belongs to the Cucurbita pepo family, and seed saving of zucchini seeds relies on open-pollinated varieties to maintain genetic purity. Open-pollinated varieties are important for maintaining consistent traits across generations. Correct fermentation removes the pulp and prevents disease. Additionally, proper drying ensures longevity and viability.

Ever felt like you’re throwing money away buying new zucchini seeds every single year? Or maybe you’ve found that perfect zucchini variety and dread the day you can’t find it in stores anymore. Well, my friend, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive into the awesome world of seed saving, specifically, the wonderful, wiggly world of zucchini seeds!

Seed saving isn’t just some old-timey practice for homesteaders with overflowing root cellars. It’s a vital part of preserving our planet’s genetic diversity. Think of it as giving future generations the chance to enjoy all the amazing varieties of fruits and veggies we have today. Plus, it makes you a tiny superhero in the fight for food self-sufficiency. Seriously!

But let’s bring it back to you and your overflowing zucchini patch (we’ve all been there!). Saving your own zucchini seeds is a total game-changer. First, let’s talk money savings! No more shelling out cash for packets of seeds! Saving seeds from your harvest every year keeps money in your pocket. Second, you get to keep your favorite zucchini varieties around. If you have a favorite variety and want to always grow it, you can keep it alive for the long term, and lastly is connecting with the growing cycle in a deeper way.
By saving seeds, you’re not just a consumer; you’re an active participant in the magic of nature. You’re understanding the plant on a deeper level.

So, what’s on the menu for this post? We’ll be covering everything you need to know about saving zucchini seeds like a pro. From understanding zucchini varieties to harvesting, drying, storing, and even testing those little seeds for germination, you’ll be well on your way to zucchini seed-saving success! Get ready to roll up your sleeves, get a little muddy, and embark on this rewarding garden endeavor!

Understanding Zucchini: Varieties, Pollination, and the Cucurbita pepo Family

Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re diving into the saucy secrets of zucchini biology! To successfully save seeds, you’ve gotta understand the birds and the bees – or rather, the flowers and the squashes – of the zucchini world. It’s not as complicated as your Aunt Mildred’s meatloaf recipe, I promise!

Zucchini Varieties: Open-Pollinated vs. Hybrid

Think of zucchini varieties like dog breeds. Some breeds, like Golden Retrievers, reliably produce Golden Retriever puppies. These are your open-pollinated varieties. Their seeds will grow into plants that are pretty much identical to the parent plant – true-to-type, as the cool kids say.

But then you have designer dog breeds, like Labradoodles. These are your hybrid varieties. They’re a cross between two different purebreds. While the first generation (F1) might be great, saving seeds from them is like playing genetic roulette. You might get something vaguely Labradoodle-ish, or you might end up with a poodle with a Labrador’s appetite! Seeds from hybrid zucchini may not produce plants that resemble the original zucchini from which the seed come.

Saving seeds from open-pollinated varieties is key if you want consistent, predictable results year after year. Plus, you’re helping to preserve these old-school varieties – a win-win!

The Squash Family (Cucurbita pepo) and Cross-Pollination

Now, here’s where things get a little…frisky. Zucchinis belong to the Cucurbita pepo species. This means they’re related to other summer squashes, some pumpkins, and even some ornamental gourds. And guess what? They can all cross-pollinate! Think of it like a family reunion where everyone’s swapping genes – sometimes with hilarious results.

If your zucchini gets it on with a nearby pumpkin, the fruit you harvest this year will still look and taste like a zucchini (or pumpkin, depending). But the seeds inside? Those are now hybrids. Plant those seeds next year, and you might end up with a zucchini that has a pumpkin’s orange hue, or a flavor that’s… well, let’s just say unexpected. Nobody wants a bitter gourd-zucchini surprise!

Preventing Cross-Pollination: Isolation and Hand-Pollination

So, how do you keep your zucchini pure and prevent these illicit floral liaisons? You’ve got two main weapons in your arsenal: isolation and hand-pollination.

• Isolation: This is the low-tech approach. Simply put, you need to create some distance between your zucchini and any other Cucurbita pepo plants. We’re talking hundreds of feet, which isn’t always practical in a small garden. This is where hand-pollination comes in handy!
• Hand-Pollination: For control freaks (and serious seed savers), this is the gold standard. It’s like playing matchmaker for your zucchini flowers, ensuring they only hook up with the right partner.

Hand-Pollination Techniques

Ready to play Cupid? Here’s how it works:

1. Know Your Flowers: Zucchini plants have both male and female flowers. Male flowers are on long, thin stems. Female flowers have a tiny, immature zucchini behind the flower. It looks like they’re already pregnant!

2. Gather Your Tools: All you need is a small paintbrush or cotton swab, some twist ties or painter’s tape, and some small bags (organza work well!)

3. Bag the Flower: Once you have identified a female flower that is about to open. (Usually the buds appear the night before. Gently cover the flower with the small bag, then fasten it loosely at the base of the flower with the twist tie or painter’s tape. Repeat this with one or two male flowers on the plant.

4. Get Pollinating: In the morning when both male and female flowers have opened, gently remove the bags from both flowers. Then, carefully remove a male flower from the plant, pluck off the petals, and use it as a brush to collect pollen and transfer it to the female flower. Do this carefully to ensure the pollen is fully transferred.
5. Seal the Deal: Once the female has been dusted in pollen from the male flower, seal it back up in the bag again! Fasten the twist tie or painter’s tape around the base of the flower again, to ensure no other pollinators reach the flower.
6. Mark Your Work: Use a marker to write the date and the parent plants on the bag. This is so you know which flowers you hand-pollinated.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully played zucchini matchmaker. Congratulations!

Selecting Zucchinis for Seed Saving: Choosing the Best Fruits

So, you’re ready to pick your zucchini champion, huh? Not so fast! Think of it like picking the MVP of your garden team. You can’t just grab any zucchini and expect it to produce seed-saving magic. You’ve got to be a little picky (in a good way, of course!). This section is all about how to choose the cream of the crop—or rather, the biggest, healthiest, and most representative zucchini for seed-saving success.

Characteristics of a Good Seed Zucchini:

• Healthy and Mature: Think of your seed zucchini as a wise elder, someone who has been around the block a few times (or, in this case, has spent a loooong time basking in the sun on the vine). We are looking for mature zucchini, which have been on the vine for a longer period than what you would harvest for the dinner table, it is important to also choose only from healthy plants, that are free from visible diseases and pests.
• Representative of the Variety: You want a zucchini that looks and acts like a zucchini should. If you’re saving seeds from a ‘Black Beauty’ zucchini, don’t pick the pale, oddly shaped one! Pick a zucchini that embodies all the best qualities of that variety. This helps maintain the integrity of the seed line.
• Disease and Pest-Free: Just like you wouldn’t want to start a family with someone who’s constantly battling a cold, you don’t want to save seeds from a plant that’s riddled with disease or pests. Pick your seed zucchini from the healthiest plant.

When to Harvest:

Forget everything you know about picking zucchini for eating! When it comes to seed saving, you’re going for the opposite of tender and delicious. You want your zucchini to be practically inedible.

• Leave it on the Vine: That’s right, resist the urge to harvest your zucchini at its prime. Let it hang out on the vine well past the edible stage. Seriously, leave it on until it’s huge and you’re starting to wonder if it’s going to take over your entire garden.

• Visual Cues: How do you know when it’s ready? Look for these telltale signs:

  • Hardened Skin: The skin should be tough and almost impermeable.
  • Dull Color: That vibrant, glossy green will fade to a duller, more muted shade.
  • Giant Size: The zucchini will be significantly larger than what you would normally harvest for eating (think baseball bat, rather than hotdog!).
  • Thick Stalk: This is important, the stalk that attached the zucchini to the main plant need to become thicker.

Once your zucchini meets these criteria, you’ve got yourself a prime candidate for seed saving! Get ready for the next step: harvesting and cleaning those precious seeds.

Harvesting and Cleaning Zucchini Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you’ve babied your zucchini, let it grow to an almost comical size, and now it’s time to reap the rewards – in seed form! Here’s how to get those little future zucchini plants ready for their long winter’s nap.

Firstly, timing is everything! Remember when we talked about letting your zucchini really mature? Now’s when that patience pays off.

Harvesting the Seeds

Think of this as a mini-surgery, zucchini-style.

• Cut the Zucchini from the Vine: Carefully detach your behemoth zucchini from its mother plant. A sharp knife or pruning shears will do the trick.
• Gutting Time: Find a good spot, and slice that zucchini open! Inside, you’ll find a mass of seeds nestled in a pulpy embrace.
• Scoop It Out: Grab a sturdy spoon (or even your hands, if you’re feeling primal) and scoop out the seeds and pulp into a container.
• Tools of the Trade: Some awesome tools that might be helpful during the seed extraction process include:
  • A sturdy knife, for cutting through the mature zucchini.
  • A large spoon, for scooping out the seeds and pulp.
  • A bowl or bucket, to hold the seeds and pulp mixture.

The Wet Method: Fermentation for Seed Cleaning

Now, for the magic (and slightly stinky) part: fermentation. Don’t worry; it’s a good stink, like a science experiment in your kitchen!

Why Fermentation? Because fermentation does the work. The fermentation process will get rid of all of the gunk and unwanted material that surrounds the seeds. The seeds are nice and clean and this will also kill the surface-level pathogens that can harm the seeds.

Step-by-Step Fermentation Process:

• Get Jarring: Put the seeds and pulp into a jar or container. Add some water – enough to cover everything.
• Let It Rot… I Mean, Ferment: Now, leave the mixture to ferment for 3-4 days. Stir it daily like you’re brewing a potion.
• The White Stuff: You might notice a white, fuzzy mold forming on top. Don’t panic! It’s normal and a sign that the fermentation process is working its magic.
• Sink or Swim: Here’s the cool part. The good, viable seeds will sink to the bottom, while the pulp and the dud seeds will float. Nature’s sorting system at its finest!

Separating Seeds with Screens/Sieves:

Time to separate the wheat (or, you know, zucchini seed) from the chaff.

• Rinse and Repeat: After the fermentation period, give those seeds a good rinse with water. Get all that fermented gunk off.
• Screen Time: Use a series of screens or sieves with different mesh sizes. Start with a larger mesh to get rid of the big chunks of pulp, then move to finer meshes to catch any smaller bits. This ensures you have pristine seeds.
• Floaters Beware: Give the seeds a final look. Any that are still floating? Toss ’em! They’re not going to be productive members of your zucchini society. They are not worthy!

Drying and Curing Zucchini Seeds: Preparing for Long-Term Storage

Alright, you’ve made it through the messy part of scooping and fermenting your zucchini seeds! Now comes the part where we prepare those little guys for their long winter’s nap (or, you know, until you’re ready to unleash them into the garden again). Proper drying and curing are absolutely essential for seed longevity. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t want to store your favorite sweater while it’s still damp, right? Same principle applies here.

Drying the Seeds: Operation “Get Rid of the Moisture!”

First up: drying! Grab your cleaned zucchini seeds (aren’t they cute when they’re clean?), and let’s get them ready for their spa day.

• Spread ‘Em Out: Gently spread the seeds in a single layer on some paper towels, clean cloths, or even a screen if you’re feeling fancy. The key is to give them space to breathe. Imagine you’re arranging tiny little sunbathers on a beach towel.
• Location, Location, Location: Find a spot that’s cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Think shade, not direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is like a tanning bed for your seeds, and we don’t want them to get burned! A shaded room or even a covered porch will do the trick.
• Temperature and Humidity: Ideally, you’re aiming for temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C) and relatively low humidity. A dehumidifier can be your best friend if you live in a particularly humid area. High humidity is the enemy!
• The Turning Point: Just like pancakes, these seeds need to be flipped! Check them regularly and gently turn them over to ensure even drying. This prevents any sneaky moisture from getting trapped underneath.

Curing the Seeds: The Final Touches

Once the seeds are dry to the touch (and I mean really dry), don’t pack them away just yet! This is where curing comes in, like a final hardening stage for your precious zucchini seed.

• Breathable Containers: Transfer the dried seeds to a breathable container, like a paper bag or even an open envelope. Avoid airtight containers at this stage; they need a little more airflow.
• A Few Weeks of Patience: Let the seeds cure for a few weeks in that same cool, dry, and well-ventilated spot. Think of it as a mini-vacation before their big sleep. This allows the seed coat to fully harden, which is like giving them an extra layer of armor.
• Why Cure? Curing helps to further reduce moisture content and allows the seed coat to fully mature. This equates to increased longevity and improved germination rates when you finally decide to plant them.

By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure that your zucchini seeds are in tip-top shape for long-term storage and ready to sprout when you are. It’s all about creating the perfect environment for these little dormant plants! Now, let’s move on to how to store these babies for the long haul!

Storing Zucchini Seeds for Future Gardens: Maximizing Viability

Alright, you’ve gone through the effort of saving your zucchini seeds—pat yourself on the back! But the journey doesn’t end there. Proper storage is absolutely crucial to ensure that next year, you’re not planting duds. Think of it like putting your precious zucchini babies into a cozy, protective slumber until they’re ready to sprout and take over your garden again. Let’s dive into the how-to!

Ideal Storage Conditions

Imagine your seeds are vampires—okay, maybe not that dramatic, but they do hate light, heat, and moisture! You’re aiming for the triple threat of:

• Cool: Think basement, cool closet, or even the fridge (yes, really!). The lower the temperature, the slower the seeds degrade.
• Dark: Light is the enemy. A dark environment helps preserve the seed’s vitality.
• Dry: Moisture is a seed’s kryptonite when it comes to long-term storage. We want to keep things bone dry.

The key takeaway? Avoid those wild temperature swings like you avoid a surprise zucchini overload from your neighbor. Consistent conditions are what you’re after.

Appropriate Storage Containers

Time to get those seeds a proper home!

• Airtight is Key: Think mason jars with tight-fitting lids, resealable plastic containers (the thicker, the better), or even vacuum-sealed bags if you’re feeling fancy. The goal is to keep air and moisture out.
• Glass vs. Plastic: Both work well, but glass is generally considered more airtight and less prone to chemical leaching. Just make sure your containers are squeaky clean before stashing your seeds.

Using a Desiccant

Desiccant’s are moisture’s worst enemy and your seed’s best friend. This is where things get really serious about keeping moisture at bay. These little packets of moisture-absorbing magic can make a HUGE difference.

• Silica Gel Packets: Those little packets you find in everything from new shoes to beef jerky? Save ’em! They’re perfect for absorbing any sneaky moisture that might creep into your storage container. You can also buy them in bulk online.
• DIY Desiccants: If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own desiccant using dried rice or powdered milk wrapped in cheesecloth. Just make sure they’re thoroughly dried before adding them to your seed container.

Labeling Seeds

This might seem obvious, but trust me, future you will thank you. Imagine finding a jar of unlabeled seeds years from now and having no clue what they are. Disaster!

• Variety is the Spice of Life (and Your Label): Note the specific zucchini variety (Black Beauty, Costata Romanesco, etc.).
• Date of Harvest: This helps you track the seed’s age and viability.
• Extra Notes: Did these seeds come from a particularly productive plant? Any disease resistance notes? Jot it down!

A clearly labeled container is like a little time capsule of gardening goodness, ready to unlock the secrets of your past harvests. So, grab a marker, get labeling, and get ready for another round of zucchini adventures!

Testing Germination Rates: Ensuring Your Seeds are Viable

Alright, you’ve diligently saved your zucchini seeds – high five! But before you start dreaming of a bumper crop, let’s make sure those little guys are actually ready to sprout. We’re talking about doing a germination test. Think of it as a mini-Olympics for your seeds, seeing which ones are gold-medal-worthy. It’s a simple way to avoid heartbreak when you plant and nothing pops up!

Germination Testing Procedure

Here’s the lowdown on how to conduct this seed-athlete assessment:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need:
   • A bunch of your saved seeds (let’s say 10 or 20 for reliable results).
   • A paper towel.
   • A plastic bag (a sandwich bag works great).
   • Water.
2. Moisten the Runway: Dampen that paper towel – not soaking wet, just nicely moist like a perfectly wrung-out sponge.
3. Seed Placement: Lay your seeds out on the damp paper towel, giving them a little space to breathe.
4. Roll ‘Em Up: Gently roll up the paper towel, creating a cozy little seed burrito.
5. Bag It: Slide the rolled-up towel into your plastic bag. This keeps things humid – perfect for sprouting!
6. Warm Spot, Please: Place the bag in a warm spot. Think cozy windowsill (but not in direct blazing sunlight) or on top of the fridge.
7. Moisture Check: Keep an eye on that paper towel. It needs to stay moist, so spritz it with water if it starts to dry out.
8. The Waiting Game: Now comes the hard part: waiting. Check on your seeds every day or two. After a week or two, you should see some action!

Interpreting Germination Rates

Okay, the sprouts have arrived! Now what? Time to crunch some numbers.

• Count the Winners: Count how many seeds actually sprouted. Roots emerging? You’ve got a winner!
• Calculate the Percentage: Divide the number of sprouted seeds by the total number of seeds you tested, then multiply by 100. That’s your germination rate!
  • For example, if you tested 20 seeds and 15 sprouted: (15 / 20) * 100 = 75% germination rate.

• What Does It Mean?

  • A high germination rate (80% or higher) means your seeds are in great shape! Plant with confidence.
  • A lower germination rate (below 70%) means you might want to sow more seeds per hole to compensate. It’s like increasing your odds of success.

Troubleshooting Low Germination Rates

Uh oh, the results aren’t looking so hot? Don’t panic! Here are a few things that might be going on:

• Seed Age: Seeds lose viability over time. Older seeds are less likely to germinate. If your seeds are from grandma’s attic and are years old, that could be the culprit.
• Storage Conditions: Remember that cool, dark, and dry place we talked about for storage? If your seeds were stored in a hot, humid shed, their germination rate might suffer.
• Planting Depth: Are you planting too deep or too shallow when you eventually sow them into the garden?
• Inconsistent Moisture if your test didn’t have consistent moisture then it may have had skewed results.
• Improper Drying and Curing: The fermentation process might’ve gone wrong or maybe they weren’t dried as properly as they should’ve.

By testing your germination rates, you’re not just saving yourself potential disappointment, you’re becoming a more knowledgeable and successful gardener. Happy sprouting!

Record Keeping: Tracking Your Seed Saving Success

Alright, picture this: you’ve diligently saved your zucchini seeds, envisioning a future garden bursting with those familiar green giants. But how do you ensure next year’s crop is even better than the last? The answer, my friend, lies in the magic of record keeping! Think of it as your personal seed saving journal, a tool that transforms gardening from a guessing game into a data-driven, zucchini-yielding extravaganza.

The Nitty-Gritty: Data to Track

So, what exactly should you jot down in your seed-saving diary? Think of these data points as clues that will unlock the secrets to your future harvests:

• Zucchini Variety: Seems obvious, right? But trust me, in the heat of the gardening season, all those green squash can start to look the same. Write it down!
• Harvest Date: When did you pluck that zucchini from its leafy perch? This helps correlate seed performance with the growing season’s conditions.
• Storage Conditions: Did those seeds chill in the fridge, hang out in a cool basement, or brave the elements in the garden shed? Note the temperature and humidity if you can!
• Germination Rate: This is the big one! Knowing the percentage of seeds that sprout tells you how viable your stash is. More on this later!
• Any observations about plant health or fruit characteristics: Was the parent plant a disease-resistant champion? Did the zucchini have a particularly nutty flavor or a perfect shape? These details are gold!

Unlocking Seed-Saving Secrets: Using Records to Improve

Now, for the fun part! Once you’ve accumulated some data, it’s time to put on your Sherlock Holmes hat and start analyzing. Did seeds stored in the fridge have a higher germination rate? Did zucchinis from disease-resistant plants produce seeds that were also more resistant?

By comparing your notes from year to year, you’ll start to see patterns and identify what works best in your unique growing environment. Maybe you discover that a particular drying method yields the most vigorous seedlings, or that a certain storage location preserves seed viability for longer. The possibilities are endless!

9. Common Issues and Solutions: Troubleshooting Your Seed Saving Journey

Okay, so you’ve embarked on this awesome zucchini seed-saving adventure, but things aren’t always smooth sailing, are they? Don’t sweat it! Every gardener, even the seasoned ones, bumps into a few snags along the way. Let’s tackle some common hiccups and how to fix ’em.

Help! My Seeds Didn’t Dry Properly!

Ah, the dreaded moldy seed scenario! Inadequate drying is a real buzzkill. Think of it this way: seeds are like tiny sponges. If they’re not properly dried, they become a breeding ground for mold and decay. Yuck!

Consequences of Improper Drying:

• Mold Growth: Fuzzy white or green stuff taking over your precious seeds. Definitely not a good look (or smell!).
• Seed Decay: Seeds become soft, mushy, and completely non-viable. Bye-bye, future zucchini!
• Reduced Germination: Even if they don’t completely rot, damp seeds can lose their ability to sprout.

Tips for Ensuring Proper Drying:

• Single Layer is Key: Spread those cleaned seeds in a single layer on paper towels, clean cloths, or even screens. Avoid piling them up like they’re at a seed party.
• Location, Location, Location: Choose a cool, dry, and well-ventilated spot. A spare room with a fan is perfect!
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sunlight is great for growing plants, but it can cook your seeds. Think shade, not sunbath.
• Patience, Young Padawan: Check the seeds regularly and turn them over to ensure even drying. This can take anywhere from a week to several weeks, depending on humidity. They should feel hard and brittle when they’re ready.

Low Germination Rates Got You Down?

So, you’ve babied your seeds, stored them with love, and now… crickets. A low germination rate can be disheartening, but let’s play detective and figure out what went wrong.

Potential Causes of Low Germination Rates:

• Seed Age: Seeds, like us, get old. Over time, their viability decreases. Typically, Zucchini seeds stay viable for 5-6 years.
• Poor Storage: Storing seeds in a hot, humid shed is like sending them to seed sauna. They need a cool, dark, and dry environment to stay healthy.
• Improper Drying (Again!): We already covered this, but it’s worth repeating. Damp seeds are unhappy seeds.
• Seedborne Diseases: Some diseases can lurk within the seed itself, preventing it from sprouting.
• Genetic Issues: Sometimes, a seed just isn’t strong to begin with. It happens.

Solutions for Improving Germination Rates:

• Fresh is Best: Use the freshest seeds possible. Rotate your seed stock every few years.
• Storage Upgrade: Store your seeds in airtight containers with desiccant packets in a cool, dark, and dry place. Think seed spa, not seed sauna.
• Ferment Those Seeds: Fermentation is the key to remove pulp and inhibiting seedborne diseases.
• Give ‘Em a Head Start: Try starting your seeds indoors under grow lights. This gives them a controlled environment and a better chance of success.
• Sow More Seeds: If your germination rate is consistently low, simply sow more seeds to compensate.
• Test Before You Invest: Before planting a whole bunch of seeds, do a germination test (as described earlier in this article) to gauge their viability.

Seedborne Diseases: The Unseen Enemy

Ugh, diseases. They’re a bummer in the garden and in seed saving.

The Importance of Selecting Disease-Free Plants:

• Start with healthy plants! Choose zucchinis from plants that show no signs of disease. A healthy momma makes healthy seeds.
• Inspect Regularly: Keep a close eye on your plants throughout the growing season and address any disease issues promptly.

The Role of Fermentation:

• Fermentation isn’t just for removing pulp; it also helps to kill off some seedborne pathogens.

Uh Oh, Did My Zucchinis Cross-Pollinate?!

Cross-pollination can lead to some funky surprises in the garden. One year you could get round zucchinis when you’re expecting long ones…

How to Identify Signs of Cross-Pollination:

• Unexpected Fruit Characteristics: If your zucchini suddenly looks or tastes different than usual, cross-pollination might be the culprit.
• Keep Records: Write it down to compare seed-saving efforts with plant’s health.

Strategies for Preventing Cross-Pollination in the Future:

• Isolation: Give your zucchini plants plenty of space away from other Cucurbita pepo varieties.
• Hand-Pollination: As we discussed earlier, hand-pollination is a surefire way to control pollination and ensure seed purity.
• Plant Only One Variety: If you’re serious about seed saving and want to avoid any risk of cross-pollination, just grow one zucchini variety.

So, there you have it! Saving zucchini seeds is easier than you might think. Give it a try this year, and you’ll be swimming in homegrown zucchini for seasons to come. Happy gardening!