early sowing go for it or wait

[hawthorns]

with the sun now shining is it really worth sowing now or should we really be waiting. what are the real pros and cons of early sowing.

[wellie]

hi hawthorns,

are you meaning under the protection of greenhouse/polytunnel/cloches etc. or direct into the soil outside? as this will affect people's answers to your question rather a lot!

There are many things to be sown with protection, it's definitely getting to that exciting time of year!

[hawthorns]

mainly straight into the ground

[bluemoon]

I always leave everything as late as possible, even when things are initially sown in the greenhouse I don't sow until it's absolutely necessary. It comes from a time when we'd just taken on an allotment late in the season and everything we sowed that year was at the later extreme of the recommended dates. Not only did it do well and caught up with the stuff on the neighbouring plots, but actually did better. I can't take all the credit for this as that first plot had been worked for many years by a very capable gardener and the soil was in very good heart. In this area we can expect a frost as late as mid-May, (although it's rare these days) and I try to organise my sowing accordingly so that anything which might be damaged by a late frost is either started in the greenhouse or left for direct sowing until the last minute, that way there are very few things which might need covering with fleece if the worst happens. Also it means that seedlings are not sitting doing nothing in cold, wet soil and that there is less chance of them being battered, or even washed away, by heavy rain.

PS, If we have another summer like last year please feel free to ignore all above advice.

[cottage garden]

When fresh weeds are germinating in your soil then it is generally the right time to sow. After all, the weed seeds are germinating! I find it better to rely on this method, rather than follow what books say is the right time of year, because lets face it,every part of the country is ready at a different time.

Unless you are sowing in a greenhouse or in a heated propagator of course.

Exceptions are things like broad beans and garlic which are hardy and don't mind the frost.

[Two_Sheds]

When fresh weeds are germinating in your soil then it is generally the right time to sow. After all, the weed seeds are germinating!

True, up to a point. However, not ALL the wild weeds are growing; they have different temperature requirements for germination the same as do our "proper" plants.
Seeds will just rot in cold wet soil: let it warm up a bit - we've only had two nice days, its not Spring yet. it would be better to sow indoors and then plant out when its time; if you have the indoor space and light, that is.

[Hans Mum]

if youre sowing outside i wouldnt be thinking about it for another 6/8 weeks yet, i know i'm further north but we are technically not in spring yet i know its difficult to resist my fingers are itching toget sowing

[Cutecumber]

I think it's good advice to look at what is going on in your own area rather than necessarily heed what the books/ magazines say about "early sowing". If you are growing on your own in a garden, wander down to an allotment and see what's happening there, it might be a useful gauge.

The pro's of sowing early are early crops, but then if it works you will still need to sow again to cover the main period. Otherwise, you may end up with the same amount of produce (or slightly less) but it will be finished earlier! It's worth doing if you have the space and the motivation, as with most things

I have sown early some years, run out of room, and had nothing left to harvest by September! lol!

[Seahorse]

I think it depends a lot on whether your a process or product gardener. I think it's sound advice that if you want good yields for minimum effort, then wait. However, if a premature seedling or two will have you squeaking with delight, then go for it!

I don't know whether the seeds I've sown so far will result in the best crops ever but the endorphins I get from seeing little shoots poking through, then cossetting them along to (hopeful) fruition are very satisfying

[moggssue]

Totally agree Seahorse - it's probably far too early for most sowing, but the joy and uplifting of spirit I get from seeing my baby leeks and broadies poking through is worth it, even if the later sowings catch them up!

On the whole though, I think what Cutecumber always says is best advice - patience patience, spring will be here when its good and ready!

[Cutecumber]

I do sow a handful of things early (but still not crazily early!), but it's literally only two cabbages, two caulis, two lettuce and a pot of carrots.

If they fail, nothing is wasted, if they thrive they may be ready to harvest early, but it's against the odds.

I think I've learnt to reduce the pressure I put on myself to make things come faster and out of season, as it can be quite stressful at times.

I want my veggies to come from love, not anguish