Seed Screens

Little A's · 01-29-2012, 08:56 AM

Greetings,
I am new to this forum and would be interested in knowing if someone knows of a good source for seed screens that won't break the bank.

Thanks

Laura-SSE · 01-30-2012, 10:27 AM

Hi there! Here at Seed Savers, we will use 'recycled' window/door screens for this... they work just as well, and definitely won't break the bank... as long as you can get your hands on some... I suppose it depends on what you're processing, but do consider this option!

Good luck!
Laura

spacecase0 · 01-30-2012, 12:25 PM

I have also seen people get the screens on sale at gold mining supply places,
but I am not that fancy, I also use window screen.

Walk · 01-31-2012, 08:06 AM

I've also noticed that the specialty screens sold for seed cleaning are outrageously priced. Other than window-type screens, 1/4" and 1/8" hardware cloth are convenient and inexpensive mesh sizes. An initial run through a very coarse screen will remove bulky plant trash and a finishing screening through a very fine screen with holes too small for the seed can remove the dusty fines.

Flour sifters and kitchen strainers sometimes have potential. A folding veggie steamer basket we have works well for lettuce seeds. And a letter tray for desk use has nice diamond-shaped mesh pattern that worked well for sorghum and bean seeds. Anytime we come across something perforated, we give it a go. If you're just cleaning seed enough for planting, and are not doing it commercially, you don't have to be too fussy. If you want to eat the seed you'll need to remove all the chaff which will require some winnowing in addition to the screening.

delmar · 04-14-2012, 08:43 PM

I got a frying pan splatter screen at Dollar Tree for $1

They don't always have them in stock but I tried it today and it works really well, and fits nicely on top of a big bowl.

Garygarlic · 07-04-2012, 02:00 PM

I got mine some years ago from Abundant Life; now defunct. Not cheap, but I made my own frames. They're stainless steel and a half-dozen meshes. I also supplemented them with 1/4" hardware cloth in the same 1-foot square wood frame. They fit nicely over the smaller rectangular plastic dishpans after Dear Lady has decided they're too grungy and stained to be allowed near our food.

hementia · 07-04-2012, 07:44 PM

For round seeds such as basil,I use a serving tray
I put it on an incline and the let the seeds roll to the bottom leaving the chaff at the top

Walk · 07-05-2012, 07:15 AM

If you have a lot of plant residue or chaff, you can reduce its volume by putting the threshed seed in a coffee can or bucket (whatever fits), and shaking it side to side. The heavier seed will filter its way to the bottom and the chaff/stems can be grabbed by hand off the top. Then you will have less material to screen or winnow out. If you're going to eat any of the seed crop then you'll want to get it much cleaner than for planting.

angelinasingson · 07-26-2012, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by Little A's:

Greetings,
I am new to this forum and would be interested in knowing if someone knows of a good source for seed screens that won't break the bank.

Thanks

i re-use the (Jolly Jumper) stroller & playpen net, just using a bucket as my bowl. Then once I am done, I can wash it easy on the machine.

I am trying to save seeds of my mini cucumber this year. fingers cross.

Angie

01-29-2012, 08:56 AM	#1
Little A's Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Greeneville Tn Posts: 1	Seed Screens Greetings, I am new to this forum and would be interested in knowing if someone knows of a good source for seed screens that won't break the bank. Thanks

01-30-2012, 12:25 PM	#3
spacecase0 earth human Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: california, east of the central valley Posts: 387	I have also seen people get the screens on sale at gold mining supply places, but I am not that fancy, I also use window screen. __________________ .... .- -- .-. .- -.. .. --- --- .--. . .-. .- - --- .-.

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01-30-2012, 10:27 AM	#2
Laura-SSE SSE Staff Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Northeast Iowa Posts: 125	Hi there! Here at Seed Savers, we will use 'recycled' window/door screens for this... they work just as well, and definitely won't break the bank... as long as you can get your hands on some... I suppose it depends on what you're processing, but do consider this option! Good luck! Laura

01-31-2012, 08:06 AM	#4
Walk Homesteader Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Winona, MN Posts: 197	I've also noticed that the specialty screens sold for seed cleaning are outrageously priced. Other than window-type screens, 1/4" and 1/8" hardware cloth are convenient and inexpensive mesh sizes. An initial run through a very coarse screen will remove bulky plant trash and a finishing screening through a very fine screen with holes too small for the seed can remove the dusty fines. Flour sifters and kitchen strainers sometimes have potential. A folding veggie steamer basket we have works well for lettuce seeds. And a letter tray for desk use has nice diamond-shaped mesh pattern that worked well for sorghum and bean seeds. Anytime we come across something perforated, we give it a go. If you're just cleaning seed enough for planting, and are not doing it commercially, you don't have to be too fussy. If you want to eat the seed you'll need to remove all the chaff which will require some winnowing in addition to the screening.

04-14-2012, 08:43 PM	#5
delmar Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Nothern Indiana a dozen miles from Michigan Posts: 25	I got a frying pan splatter screen at Dollar Tree for $1 They don't always have them in stock but I tried it today and it works really well, and fits nicely on top of a big bowl.

07-04-2012, 02:00 PM	#6
Garygarlic Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Duanesburg, NY Posts: 26	I got mine some years ago from Abundant Life; now defunct. Not cheap, but I made my own frames. They're stainless steel and a half-dozen meshes. I also supplemented them with 1/4" hardware cloth in the same 1-foot square wood frame. They fit nicely over the smaller rectangular plastic dishpans after Dear Lady has decided they're too grungy and stained to be allowed near our food.

07-04-2012, 07:44 PM	#7
hementia Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Waynesboro MS. Posts: 23	For round seeds such as basil,I use a serving tray I put it on an incline and the let the seeds roll to the bottom leaving the chaff at the top

07-05-2012, 07:15 AM	#8
Walk Homesteader Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Winona, MN Posts: 197	If you have a lot of plant residue or chaff, you can reduce its volume by putting the threshed seed in a coffee can or bucket (whatever fits), and shaking it side to side. The heavier seed will filter its way to the bottom and the chaff/stems can be grabbed by hand off the top. Then you will have less material to screen or winnow out. If you're going to eat any of the seed crop then you'll want to get it much cleaner than for planting.