Sow simple - tips for successful growing
Most popular seeds are generally very simple in their needs - water, a temperature that suits their germination and a place to put their roots down. Starting to sow or new to gardening then these tips will help you improve your success rate:
When should I sow my seeds?
Check the packet or our ‘What to sow’ post each month.
Inside or outside?
Tender or expensive seeds need to be sown indoors to protect the new seedlings from pests such as slugs and snails and provide the correct environment eg temperature. Tender plant seeds that originate from warmer climates will need the warmth of a propagator or a consistently warm location to germinate.
Some seeds can be sown either inside or outside. These are usually hardier varieties such as antirrhinums and wallflowers.
Can I reuse my old compost for seed sowing?
You could reuse compost but you may get poor results or introduce pests and bacterial infections. Old compost also can lack nutrients and may contain pathogens that would cause young seedlings to die off (wilting). Germinating seedlings do not need many nutrients but will need a more nutrient rich compost as the seedling grows.
It is best to start with fresh compost, clean seed trays or pots and fresh seed. Use either a seed sowing compost or a general purpose peat free compost depending on the seed you are sowing. Smaller seeds can do better in seed sowing and larger ones such as sunflowers and runner beans are fine in general compost.
What are the differences in seed germination conditions?
The main differences for seed germination are in temperature and light or dark.
Some seeds need consistent warmth and other seeds need a period or periods of cold.
Perennials often recommended for autumn sowing may need a period of cold to germinate so you won’t see any germination until spring when the weather warms.
Tomatoes, peppers and aubergines need consistent warmth.
Some seeds need light to germinate so instructions may say don’t cover with compost or only cover with a very fine layer of vermiculite. Others need dark - so a warm cupboard should be enough but don’t forget them. Most just don’t mind the light level and will germinate anywhere.
How many seeds should I sow?
Enough for you plus a few. Also the old adage - 'don't put all your eggs in one basket' is a good reason not to sow the whole packet. I sowed tomatoes indoors a few years back and they germinated quite nicely. I went away for a weekend and when I got back the seedlings were covered in aphids. As they were that small they did not recover. I still had the rest of the packet available so could start again.
Germination in the right conditions will not be 100% for most seeds. Many of our traditional vegetables are quite good germinators and so you should see great success with radishes, spring onions, lettuce and carrots. Parsnips less so as they need to be sown outside when the soil is warmer - April and also have a quicker drop off rate in seed viability - so the older the seed is the less likely it is to germinate well. Flowers may be a different story and can have slightly lower germination rates.
What have I forgotten?
Sowing complete? Ensure the compost is moist but not waterlogged.
Lastly but not least - label with variety and the date of sowing. I don't know about you, but with the busy lives we lead, I can't remember what I sowed when and what I am expecting to see come through!