With spring in the air you can start thinking about gardening again. March is the perfect month to start seed sowing.
With over 500 varieties of flower and vegetable seeds in stock we are certain to have what you are looking for. We have a great range of propagation equipment, composts, seed trays and more; everything you need to successfully grow your own seedlings.
SEED SOWING
Seed sowing is different between varieties of seeds. Each packet will have guidelines for best results. For example, petunia seed is like dust and broad bean seeds are quite large so take care when selecting the size of the pot or seed tray you require.
For sowing seeds you will need…
-
- Seed Tray/ Container or Pot
- Seed & Cutting Compost
- Vermiculite
- Sieve
- Labels
Stage 1…
Step 1
Once you have chosen the correct sized container, three quarter fill your seed tray or pot with the correct compost (a seed and potting compost will contain everything your seedlings need to germinate).
Step 2
Lightly firm the compost using something flat, ensuring that it is level, and water well (if you use warm water it will heat the compost, slightly aiding germination).
Step 3
If using fine seed, sow on top of your firmed compost, sow thinly and evenly (so as not to get clumps of seedlings). If using large seeds like broad or runner beans you may need to press into the compost slightly.
Step 4
Mix the vermiculite with the compost at a ratio of 50/50 and gently sieve onto the seeds to a depth as recommended by the seed manufacturer.
Most seeds require approximately 1cm (1/4”) of compost over the seeds, but check the packet as certain flower seeds need to be surface sown. Don’t forget to include a label so you can identify what your seedlings are once they germinate!
Step 5
Once you have covered your seed with compost mixture cover the seed tray or pot with a plastic bag or propagator lid and place in a warm place to germinate (don’t water again as this can cap the compost and make germination harder).
If you don’t have a heated Greenhouse an airing cupboard is a good place to store your container as it is continually warm but do check every day as you must remove once the seeds germinate or the seedlings will stretch and be weak.
Place the tray on a cool window sill once germination has started. If you don’t have an airing cupboard or propagator, place on a light/ sunny window sill and try to keep as warm as possible.
Quick Tip… Seeds do not need watering until they have germinated as long as you have soaked the compost prior to sowing. (Only water if absolutely necessary).
Stage 2…
Pricking Out
Step 1
As soon as seedlings are big enough to handle transfer singularly to another pot or seed tray allowing space to grow (a fiddly job but one that is necessary).
Make sure to only hold seedlings by the leaves and not by the stem as this can damage and kill the seedling.
Step 3
Fill your pot so that it is heaped with compost and make a hole with your finger (depth nearly as far as your knuckle).
Step 4
Place the seedling into the hole you made earlier
Step 5
Firm in the seedling with your fingers, be careful not to press down on the compost too hard and not to crush the stem of the seedling.
Step 6
Label your pot or container so it can be easily identified and water well, leave in a light place to mature and remember to water regularly.
