seed collecting

when is the right time of year to start collecting seeds ? and how to collect ie when they drop from the tree or to pluck from the tree

Now is a good time to start collecting ripe seed. If the seed is falling from the tree, I would advocate sewing it straight away, as this is what would happen in the wild. You can keep tree seeds until the Spring but alot of seeds need aperiod of very cold weather to help break dormancy. Some even 2 Winters. The longer you store seeds, the less viable they become as well.

Hi, one way to collect seedlings for a tree you want is to place a flat of soil under the tree in the fall, then come back to get it in the spring. For conifers the prescribed USFS method is to tie a nylon sock or fine mesh bag over the cones before they drop their seed, then collect the bags after the cones have opened.

so if i was to pick up a pine cone of the ground not knowing when it fell would it be any good ?

If you find a Pine cone and its open, tap it in your hand and the seeds should come out. Unopened cones on the ground are best. Just put it somewhere warm and dry and the cone will open revealing the seeds.

Just don't do what I did and stick a Japanese Black Pine cone in your pocket. They can contain nasty surprises (in Japan).
Japanese centipede bite.

You must have very deep pockets Kev? A phenomenon occuring more often in Scotland , that goes with their short arms.

looks nasty

It nearly stopped me flying home from Japan. Hydrocortisone cream and anti inflammatories just about stopped my shoe exploding at altitude!

oh god did you bring back the seeds from the cone ?

I decided to buy from Kunio Kobiyashi's nursery instead. No insect pests and brilliant germination rate!