"I use an unused bedroom and a little air freshener."
Heheheh, yeh, they can sure get to stinking after a while, can't they!
Kristi, I've done mine outside on a work table for years but the past few summers I've had to move them into my shoffice where it is much cooler. When they ferment for a time in excessive heat (upper 80's and 90's) the germination rate drops dramatically, even if they are the viable seeds that have sunk to the bottom. And yep, I'd definitely cover your jars to keep gnats and other bugs out; if not sometimes you'll see little larvae in there and they will also sink down to where the good seeds are. It really doesn't matter if you cover with a solid lid or a breathable fabric though as the fermentation is an anaerobic process.
Have fun with your seed saving and selecting for bigger/better fruits in the future. You'll find it inspiring and downright fun!
Happy Gardening!
Shoe
