Another Side Of Troughs...

[Kristl Walek]

Hello All,
I thought that some of you might find this amusing (and perhaps interesting)...

As a seedperson, much of my time is devoted to refining my methods of how to clean seeds most efficiently. Thousands of species (often in large quantities) need to be separated from their chaff prior to sale.

Seed with fluff or tails were once particularly time consuming--that is, until I made a series of "seed-cleaning troughs" ---in effect, a low, wide design, as might be used for "sempervivum bowls" in the garden. No holes. The rough texture of the troughs is perfect for rubbing certain seed---although one learns by trial and error which seeds have a hard enough coat to not be damaged in this way. For instance, Pulsatilla species are irrevocably damaged by having their tails rubbed off in the trough, although Clematis are perfect candidates.

The converse also interesting---which seeds can actually be benefitted by being cleaned using this method (providing some scarification of the seed)

The first picture is of Jane on the floor with a batch of Clematis seed ---this trough is unfortunately too heavy to be easily lifted up and down from the table--so is usually employed on the floor. The next picture - a closeup of the seed.

Lastly, is a picture of a more normal sized seed cleaning trough and a view of part of my seed office. I have made about half a dozen troughs in different sizes and depths--and have purchased many dozens of gloves, although we often end up with boxes of intact left gloves (I need to look for a new left-handed employee).

Kristl

[Susan Band]

Hi Kristal,
Ever ingenious ways to clean seed
Here's a picture of the most useful item I have found. They are laundry baskets from IKEA . They are made from a very fine mesh and are spring loaded so the can stand up on their own. Hung under a canopy they are great for drying most seeds, some seed is too fine but I found some nylon bags in Lidles which let in just enough air, they only thing is they are made to look like Tigers, frogs,lions etc. very strange having them hangig around.

[Paddy Tobin]

Kristi,

Very ingenious! Likewise, Susan.

Kristi,

As a follow up on your recent posting about viburnum, have you seen Michael Dirr's recently published book on Viburnums from Timber Press? An excellent book and no doubt will have good sales in view of Michael Dirr's well established reputation.

Paddy

[Kristl Walek]

Paddy,
To be franker than frank, us seedfolk do what we do because we love it, and hope we survive. I have been luckier than most--and more tenacious than most, as I will soon approach my twentieth year in business, and have managed to raise my children on it...but buying books, especially the Timber Press books I covet- is a decision I must approach as seriously as paying the mortgage. I am still waiting to find a used/gently damaged/etc copy of Vojtech's Caucasus book (which is highest on my list of desired books right now)....

Yes, Michael Dirr is a wonderful plantsman!!!!!

Kristl

[Maggi Young]

Most ingenious, Ladies, I'm proud of you! By the way, Kristl, I am left-handed   

[Paddy Tobin]

Kristi,

I'm afraid I can be of no help to you with the book on plants of the Caucasus. It is one I didn't get myself. I have enjoyed having Michael Dirrs book on trees for the past few years, a very kind present from a friend in Maryland who always refers to it simply as "Dirr". He is an enthusiastic grower of American native plants, trees and shrubs rather than herbaceous plants and has regularly sent the most interesting seeds to me.

Continued success with you seed business.

Paddy

[Peter Korn, Sweden]

Kristl
Do you have any tip how to clean Fabaceae seeds? Astragalus types.
They are so boring and often eaten when I finaly gets to the seed.

[Kristl Walek]

Peter,
Yes, seed in "pods" are tedious and  B O  R  I  N  G  to clean...

These normally go on our "volunteer" shelf--and when we have someone show up, the volunteer gets to do these, as they require no thought, expertise or effort...

BUT, when I am forced to clean them myself, one thing that does work (species dependent) is to crush the pods with the seed inside (so at least the hand-shelling is avoided). If I have a huge batch and a pod that breaks apart easily (Baptisia), they are put on a tarp on the floor and literally crushed by walking/jumping on them (work boots are best). Normally pea-like seed is very hard, and not harmed by this- although one has to make decisions species by species. The chaff is usually easy to get out after the crushing, as the seed is usually larger (and heavier) than the chaff.

Some members of the pea family don't respond to the crush approach---and this is usually because of the type of pod they have (not easily crushable).

Of course if you leave many Fabaceae long enough in their paper bags in a warm spot, they do all the cleaning on their own (popping from the pod).

Kind Regards,
Kristl

[zephirine]

Well..I had already heard about people stumping on their hostas, but not yet on their seeds!
What about organizing a "pea-seed dance party" with your friends when it's time to clean them ? Could be fun!
Zephirine, trying to help...

[Peter Korn, Sweden]

Christl
Thanks for the tip. I often use a strainer and a mortar pestle but it don´t work for all seeds. I would also need some volunteer, my family was only volunteer the first winter.
One day I was upset because someone had messed with my seeds (Alstroemeria) but then I realised they had just popped themself all over the kitchen.