Seed Storage Tips

Plants that self pollinate are the easiest to collect seeds from and replant. Examples of this type plant: non-hybrid tomatoes, peppers, peas, endive, chicory, lettuce (somewhat) and beans.
If a plant freely cross pollinates or requires cross pollination and has another same species/different variety plant nearby, then the offspring is likely to be untrue to parent unless special precautions are made during the growing season. Examples of this type plant: corn, squash, zucchini, eggplant (most plants fall into this category).
The following tips are intended for the collection of "pure-blooded" aka "Open Pollinated"  seeds:

• Allow the seeds to mature fully on the plant. Usually this means allowing the fruit/vegetable to over-ripen or possibly even dry out (depends on the plant).
• Separate seed from vegetable where applicable
• Allow seeds to dry at room temperature in a low humidity preferably breezy environment for approximately one week. A screen works nicely for this, particularly with a nearby fan or in the shade outside where covered from rain.
• Remove any remaining non-seed matter. Sometimes it's as simple as picking the seeds out by hand. Other times, not. Examples of helpful tools and methods:
• Winnow - Sheet of paper-bent into u-shape. Blow non-seed matter off with your mouth or with a hair dryer on low at an angle. This works great with basil.
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• Sieve - Old window screen or wire mesh screen. Sift the matter to separate seed from non-seed
• http://www.seedsofchange.com/ has similar type professional tools:

• Package seeds. Don't forget to label and date them. Here are a couple of free downloadable seed packet designs:

  Cute little seed packet design #1	Cute little seed packet design #2

• Once the seeds are dried and packaged, place them in an air tight container that blocks out all light. Add a silica pack to keep things dry. You can save silica packs from old vitamins or order them online. Silica packs have to be replaced every 6 months but can be recharged by microwaving for 3-5 minutes or backing at 275 F for a couple hours. Mylar or foil lined bags inside a rigid container or a Ziplock freezer bag  inside an opaque container.
• Seeds can be stored in the freezer if they are sufficiently dry (less than 8% moisture in the seed). If not, freezing will kill them. Refrigerator storage is a safe method for one year's storage. Crisper drawer is best (lower humidity). Typically, the cooler and drier a seed is kept, the longer the shelf life.

This article barely touches on the complexities of seed saving. It seriously takes a book to explain it all and Seed to Seed explains it nicely.