Sowing is perhaps the most wonderful way to bring a garden or vegetable patch to life. Whether you want to grow flowers, vegetables, or herbs, it all begins with that tiny seed. At Plukkers, we have already developed specific growing guides for many varieties, allowing you to know exactly how to sow and care for your favorite crops. You can find those guides here. In this blog, we dive into the basics of sowing and explain key terms and techniques.
The basics: starting indoors or sowing directly?
Starting indoors
You start seeds indoors or in a protected environment, such as a propagator, seed tray, or windowsill. This method is ideal for plants that need a long growing season (such as eggplant and peppers), do not tolerate cold temperatures well (such as tomato), or for expensive seeds that you want to have a lot of control over (such as kalettes or cutting garden flowers). When? Usually between February and April, depending on the crop.
Advantages of starting indoors
- You get a head start on the season.
- You can maintain more control over temperature and moisture.
- The plants are larger when you transplant them. This makes them less susceptible to pests like slugs that eat your mini seedlings. The larger the plants you put in the ground, the less interesting they become to pests. Small seedlings just starting to emerge are much more vulnerable.
Tip: Use a propagator to help your seeds germinate faster. It allows for consistent growing, even in a cold house.
The importance of grow lights
If you are going to start seeds indoors, good light is a real game-changer. Without enough light, your seedlings will grow tall in search of the sun, but they will remain limp and weak – we call these types 'leggy' seedlings. Fortunately, you can easily prevent this with grow lights!
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Why use grow lights?
Grow lights give your seedlings exactly the right light they need to grow strong and healthy. Especially in winter and early spring, when it is often dark and gloomy outside, grow lights are a lifesaver. -
How to use grow lights?
Hang the lights about 10-15 cm above your seedlings and let them shine for 12-16 hours each day. A timer can be useful so you don't have to keep turning them on and off (at least you don't have to worry about that anymore).
Sowing directly
With direct sowing, you plant the seeds directly into the open ground. This is suitable for crops that grow quickly or do not like being transplanted, such as carrots, radishes, and sunflowers. When? From April/May, as soon as the soil warms up and is no longer frozen.
Advantages of direct sowing
- It costs less time and materials.
- The plants develop strong roots from the very beginning.
Important terms explained
What does organic seed mean?
Organic seeds are grown without chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. They are often stronger and better adapted to natural conditions. The 'organic' label indicates that the seed meets strict sustainability and biodiversity standards.
Sowing depth
Sowing depth determines how deep you plant a seed in the soil. This varies by plant; some seeds need more soil than others. A handy rule of thumb is to plant the seed about twice as deep as the seed itself is thick.
Light-germinating, dark-germinating, and cold-germinating seeds: how they work!
Light-germinating, dark-germinating, and cold-germinating seeds – it might sound complicated, but it's actually quite simple once you know how it works!
- Light-dependent germinators love sunlight. So, just sow them on the surface of the soil and do not cover them. Press them down lightly so they make good contact with the earth, but leave them exposed to the light to germinate.
- Dark-dependent germinators do not need light to grow; they actually prefer a bit of privacy. Sow them and then cover them with a thin layer of soil so they can germinate in the dark.
- Cold-germinating seeds require a cold period before they will germinate. In nature, they wait out the winter, but as a gardener, you can replicate this by placing the seeds in the refrigerator or freezer for a while. After a few weeks, take them out of the cold and sow them in a warm spot.
Plant spacing and row spacing
- Plant spacing: The space between individual plants. For example, 30 cm between cabbages.
- Row spacing: The space between rows of crops. For example, 50 cm between rows of beans.
These distances ensure that plants get enough light, air, and nutrients.
Location
The location is the spot where your crop will grow best. Some plants need lots of sun (e.g., tomatoes), while others prefer partial shade (like spinach). Also check if the soil is suitable; sowing in well-draining soil is a must for many crops.
Height
The final height of the plant can be important for your planning. Tall crops, like sunflowers, are best placed at the back of your garden or vegetable patch so they don't shade lower-growing plants.
What do you sow in?
The possibilities for sowing are endless! From classic pots and seed trays to creative recycled items – think of empty toilet paper rolls or fruit punnets. Anything that holds sowing soil and gets a second life is just fine! Look around your house; you might already have the perfect sowing solution.
Holes in the bottom?
Holes in the bottom of your seed tray are very important! They allow excess water to drain away, which prevents root rot. Without holes, water often sits stagnant, which can be harmful to your seedlings. As an experienced gardener, you might be able to do without them because you have a good feel for what your plants need. But for beginners, drainage holes are truly the best solution!
Seed trays
We have been sowing in seed trays for years, and it saves so much work during pricking out! The idea is simple: you put one or two seeds per cell or plug, which increases the chance of success. Do both seeds germinate? Then you keep the strongest one – yes, that's sometimes a bit painful, but it's for the health of the plant. The big advantage of seed trays is that you don't have to disturb the roots of your seedlings when repotting, which helps them grow faster!
Potting soil or seed-starting soil?
For sowing, it is best to use seed-starting soil, and for pricking out and repotting, use regular potting soil. Seed-starting soil is airier and more permeable than potting soil, which retains more moisture and is richer in fertilizers. That doesn't mean sowing in potting soil is impossible; for some plants, like pumpkins and courgettes, it works fine. For more delicate seeds, however, an airier seed-starting mix is usually the best choice.
Ready to start? 🌱
Do you have everything you need to give your seeds a good start? In our webshop, you will find a wide range of seeds and growing supplies. Whether you are just starting out or already have experience, we will help you on your way with everything you need for a successful sowing season.
Sowing is a task that requires patience, attention, and love. Hopefully, this simple sowing guide helps you on your way! Don't forget to check out our growing guides for specific tips and sowing inspiration. Happy sowing!
