Sowing Seeds

Hi everyone! Here are some handy hints from Mrs Burgin. Happy gardening! 

Sowing Seeds

Information Sheet 1

Now is the time to start thinking about sowing your seeds.

Some hints to get started.

·    *You will need to select the correct medium (seed raising mix) for growing your seeds. You cannot use just ordinary soil from your garden in seed raising trays. It does not have enough nutrients to feed your seeds.

·     * If sowing direct, toil your soil first so that there are no lumps (especially with carrots and other root crops).

·     * The rule is usually to plant your seeds twice the depth as the size of the seeds. So small seeds can be scattered on top and a light sprinkling of seed raising mix put on top.

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      * Check if your seeds are best grown in seed raising trays/single pots first or directly sown into the ground. Things like beans/peas, can be grown in pots but they often do best if directly sown (they don’t like to be transplanted). If growing in pots first, remember to feed with something like a seaweed feed when transplanting out as this will help with transplant shock.

·     * Make sure you fill your seed raising trays right to the top or you could end up with leggy seedlings as they search for the sun. You may also need to turn them every few days so that they grow straight.

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      * If sowing direct, check what your plants need. Some things, like carrots, actually don’t like a highly fertilised soil (or you will end up with lots of greenery and very small carrots).

·     * Check what watering conditions your seeds need – don’t let them dry out but don’t over water either.

·     *If your area for raising seeds is cold, you will need to keep them warm. Polystyrene chilli bins/old fish tanks or even shower caps, make great mini glass houses/covers. Once the seedlings pop through, remove any plastic covers.

·     * Wait until the seedlings have about 2 sets of true leaves before transplanting out or into bigger containers.

·     * Wait until around Labour weekend to transplant frost tender plants out. While the days might be warmer, the night temperatures can still be cold. The difference between night and day can affect how the plant grows.

·      * Remember to feed your plants well and your plants will feed you.