How to Sow Seeds for Absolute Beginners

We were in the garden, as usual, when I remembered I had some seeds that I needed to sow. Bear loves helping so we did it together. If I can do it with a 17 month old helping it can't be that difficult!

How to Sow Seeds for Absolute Beginners

You will need;

Seeds
Container eg seed tray, flower pot
Compost (this can be peat free)
Water
A flat piece of wood or similar smaller than your container
A label
Plastic to cover the container

1. Choose your seeds

When you are choosing seeds check the back of the packet to see what conditions the seeds need to germinate. Make sure you have chosen seeds that are suitable to be started in pots as some like to be grown directly in the soil. Generally the bigger the seed then the easier it is to germinate. The Echinacea (Coneflowers) seeds I have chosen will not flower until next year but I'm not in a hurry.

2. Pick your container and fill with compost.

I used a seed tray but anything that would hold compost and drain water is good. Flower pots, old butter/spread containers (punch few holes in the base). Fill with compost.

Bear prefers the watering can rose than the trowel to fill the tray

3. Water the compost well

This is the best bit!

4. Gently tap the compost so it is firm and flat

5. Draw shallow lines (drills) in the compost.

6. Place the seeds in the drills. 

Space them the recommended distance apart. Growing in lines allows any weeds to be spotted quickly.

Bear carefully places the seeds in the drills...I just do a little adjusting when his back is turned

7. Cover with a thin layer of compost. 

Bear was not happy to just sprinkle some on top. It had to go in the flowerpot first.

8. Label the tray clearly. 

Our seeds came with a label so this was easy.

9. Do not eat the compost no matter how delicious it looks.

Remember! Seeds can have chemicals on them to help them germinate. Always wash hands after handling them. Bear tasted the compost before we opened any seeds.

No children were harmed during the photo shoot

10. Cover the seed tray.

Some seeds like the dark to germinate and others need the light. It will be written on the seed packet. Ours need light so we covered them with a propagator lid but you could use a piece of plastic. Flower pots can be put inside plastic bags and the tops closed with string. If  you don't have a greenhouse place somewhere warm and light. A window sill out of direct sunshine is perfect.

Now all you have to do is wait. Our seeds take 14 to 28 days to germinate. As soon as they are big enough we will transplant them.


Are you growing plants from seeds this year? What have you chosen?

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