A watermelon is a fruit that is enjoyed by children and adults during the summer months. Although watermelons come in several different varieties, the most popular watermelon has a green rind and a dark pink middle that is full of dark colored seeds. These seeds can be collected and preserved to grow a new crop of watermelons the following year. Even the children in the family can join in and help preserve the watermelon seeds.
Examine your watermelon crop, and choose a few of your best melons. Don't pick the tiny melons that don't appear healthy. They will not produce the best crop. Pick the watermelons you are going to use for seed preservation only after they have become ripe.
Use a sharp knife to cut the watermelon open. After you make sure your hands are clean, you can begin picking out the seeds. Set them in a colander as you go.
Take your colander to the sink, and rinse the watermelon seeds off under cold water. Make sure you remove any bits of watermelon that got in to the colander.
Arrange your watermelon seeds in a single layer on a clean window screen. This method of drying works best because air is able to circulate underneath of the watermelon seeds, and not just on top. Set the seeds in a place in your home that is warm and gets good air circulation. Wee Garden recommends putting them on top of your refrigerator.
Check the seeds after seven days to see if they have dried completely. If the watermelon seed breaks in half instead of bending, it is dry. Otherwise, give the seeds a few more days to dry out. This will prevent mold from ruining all of your seeds.
Transfer your dry watermelon seeds to a glass jar that has a secure lid. Set in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them.