Which crops you grow determines how seeds are sown. Some can be direct sown where they are to grow, some are sown in a seed bed and then transplanted to their final growing position, and others need to be sown indoors in pots of garden compost with some bottom heat. To find out about these sowing techniques in further detail, take a look at our blog to find out how to sow seeds for the type of plants that you’re growing.
How to Sow Seeds
There are various methods of sowing seeds, with each suited to different types of plants. If you’re looking to find out which type of sowing is best for your specific plants and what techniques are best, we’ve put together in-depth advice within this guide. Below, we cover the most effective methods of how to sow seeds that will lead to the best results for your crops, with advice for sowing vegetable seeds, flower seeds and fruit seeds:
- Direct sowing
- Indoor sowing
- Seedbed sowing
- Protected outdoor sowing and growing
Direct Sowing
The vast majority of vegetables are grown by sowing the seed directly into the soil where they are to grow. To do this, you make a shallow trench (called a drill) with a cane or corner of a Dutch hoe. The seed is sown directly into the drill and covered with soil that is lightly firmed down. Always sow evenly and thinly to avoid excessive thinning out of the crop afterwards. The final seed and seedling distances are given in the guides for each crop that you can find in our gardening blog. The soil is then watered to provide adequate amounts for the seeds to germinate.
Indoor Sowing
To provide plants for earlier crops or tender crops that can't tolerate early spring temperatures, the seed is sown indoors with heat—preferably in a thermostatically-controlled garden propagator. However, germinating on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory are other viable possibilities. Where this is needed, this guide gives details on the best temperature to use. Remember that this temperature should be kept as constant as possible throughout the germination process.
Once the seed has germinated, the resulting seedlings will need to be kept at a cooler temperature, but a cold greenhouse will normally be too cold for the seedlings to grow without a check on their growth. The seedlings are then transplanted (pricked out) individually into small 3-3.5in (7.5-9cm) pots or cell seed trays for growing on. Before these plants can be planted outside, they will need to be acclimatised to the temperature outside. To do this, move the plants to a warm, sheltered position outside on a warm, still day and then bring them back in at night. Then leave them outside all day - either in an open cold frame or covered with fleece. This hardening-off process should take between 10 and 14 days.
Seedbed Sowing
A seed or nursery bed is a carefully prepared area in a warm, sheltered position with finely tilled, fertile soil. It is often used to start brassica seeds, leek seeds, onion seeds, and other similar plants before moving them as rapidly developing plants to their final growing position. This way, they can be watched carefully and do not take up valuable space in the main vegetable patch.
Protected Outdoor Sowing and Growing
Most seeds won't germinate below a soil temperature of 45°F (7°C), so sowing seeds early must be delayed until the soil has at least reached this temperature. One way to speed up this process is to warm the soil by putting cloches, clear plastic sheeting or even bottomless plastic bottles over it a few weeks before sowing or planting out.
The protection should be kept in place over the seeds and plants for a few weeks or until the weather warms up, as the sudden shock of lower temperatures can kill them or seriously affect their growth. Fleece is a good stand-by to cover susceptible plants when a cold spell is forecast. Simply drape the fleece over the plants or, better still, support it over the plants; remember to remove the fleece during warmer weather.
Top Green Tip
Generally, you should sow quick-growing and fast-maturing crops little and often to prevent the glut/famine cycle, which occurs when long rows are sown in one go. By sowing seeds in shorter rows at 10 to 14-day intervals, you will harvest just what you need over a much longer period.
Contact Us
With these handy sowing tips, you’ll now be able to give your plants the best chance at growing strong and healthy. If you’re looking for more gardening advice, you can find more step-by-step guides on a range of topics from our experts in our gardening blog.
We’re also home to a range of gardening supplies and seeds to try out these sowing techniques, with plenty of varieties of vegetable garden seeds and plants, flower seeds, fruit seeds, and more to choose from. If you’d like to ask us about our selection, feel free to get in touch with any questions. A member of our team will be more than happy to help.
