How to sow seeds for bumper crops

Wondering how to sow seeds? Discover the secrets to germination and happy seedlings with this expert advice

Sowing seeds is a practice that growers use in order to enjoy healthy, productive crops. For many gardeners, nothing is more exciting than the first glimpse of a brand new seedling poking through the surface of the soil. As long as the correct care is given, this often results in productive veg and bumper harvests! Germination can be a challenge, but by following these key steps and learning how to sow seeds you will reduce the likelihood of problems.

How to sow seeds

Step 1: Get prepared
Purchasing the correct equipment for seed sowing is a vital part of the process, so now is the best time to choose your container or veg bed position. When thinking about how to sow seeds, consider first what you’re sowing and what conditions they need.
Crops that do not like to be disturbed, such as carrots, will benefit from the use of plastic modules, where one seed is placed into each space and there is no need to separate roots when pricking out. Varieties that struggle to germinate, such as the hotter chilli types, can be started in trays. This gives you the opportunity to sow more and increase your chances of success. Containers from a previous season will require a good scrub first to remove any pests or diseases that may still be lurking in the old soil.
If you’re starting on the plot, remember that soil temperatures need to be constantly above 6°C, with some varieties requiring even warmer conditions. For this reason, it’s best to sow directly into your veg bed once the risk of frost has passed, which is usually around May. Check that this spot receives plenty of sunlight and the pH balance is fairly neutral to suit a range of crops. If the earth is in need of a nutritional boost, dig in a dose of well-rotted organic matter a few weeks before you begin.

Step 2: Ready, set, sow!
Seeds require warmth, oxygen, and water. An airing cupboard, a propagator, a cloche, or even outside soil from May onwards are great places to start. Indoor cultivation will require you to invest in multi-purpose composts. Mixes that are specially designed for sowing are available, but an all-rounder will come in handy in the later stages, too. It’s also worth remembering that sowing into trays or modules filled with cold compost from a bag that’s been kept outside will dramatically slow down the rate of germination, which will not only keep you waiting but also deny your edibles the extra growing time. To avoid this, remember to place your containers filled with soil in a warm room for a day or two. This will raise the temperature of the compost and create a suitable environment for your seedlings to flourish.
Some seeds also require preparation before you start sowing. For example, peas and beans, which are large and may be wrinkled, will benefit from soaking, as this will allow them to take in moisture from the soil more readily and break free from their protective casing.

Step 3: Follow the instructions

If this is your first year of growing your own crops, it’s best to stick to sowing advice on the packets of your seeds. These will give you precise instructions on how to sow the seeds you have. Drills must be prepared to act as a guide to show what depth the seeds need to be buried at. To avoid cramping, seeds should be placed at regular intervals so that they have room to develop. There are specialised rulers available to buy that can be adjusted to whatever edible you wish to grow, but a standard one will also work just fine.

Step 4: Caring for your crops
Regular watering is crucial for the development of seeds and young seedlings – the key is to not overdo it. Check the consistency of the soil by sticking your finger around 1cm below the surface. If you can still feel lots of moisture, it’s best to leave your sowings to their own devices for a few days. However, if the ground is completely dry, irrigate thoroughly. Be consistent, and you will increase the likelihood of avoiding devastating conditions such as stem rot and damping off when germination occurs.
Also – beware of windowsills – they are a great place for indoor seedlings due to optimum light and warmth levels during the day, but temperatures drop fast once the sun goes down, which can be too chilly for productive growth overnight.

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