Hi Jackie,

Thank you very much for the question. I will share an easy method.

1. First gather your seeds from a fully ripe healthy tomato that hasn’t succumbed to cracking due to all our rain and slice it through the middle, scrape the seeds onto a paper towel. I also use a paper plate for support.

2. Dry the seeds by spreading them out in one layer. (I use a toothpick). Put them in warm spot but not in direct sunlight. Stir them a couple times a day so they don’t clump for at LEAST a week to ten days. They will feel hard when ready for storage.

3. Store in empty seed packets or small paper envelopes in a cool, dry, dark place, labeled and dated. My wife and I use the refrigerator (not freezer).

4. Next spring dampen a paper towel and put a dozen seeds on the towel, wrap them up and put in a plastic bag. Put in a warm spot and open in a week. If most have sprouted, good to plant.

Stored this way you should have seeds for new plants for at least three years or more.

If you have other questions you can contact the OSU Extension Cuyahoga County, 3634 Euclid Ave, Unit 7, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. 216/ 429-8200

 I hope I have not been too chatty. 
Sincerely,

Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardner