birds! they will be watching the flowers too. once the petals drop from a flower, take note to see if the birds are eating the seeds. you will know the seeds are ripe and ready for harvesting.
cut the heads from the plant. let them dry out in a place protected from the birds. when the seeds drop from the heads when shaken, they are dry and ready for storing.
remove the seeds and store them in plastic bags for up to six weeks. for longer storage, you should freeze the seeds. don't forget to save a few seeds to plant next season.
the money you spend keeping your feathered friends happy pays 