Itsy-bitsy seeds ~ ideas please!

[SusieG]

As the title says:

How do you sow itsy-bitsy, tiny seeds that you can barely see..............??

I was sowing () some of my newly purchased perennial flower seeds on Tuesday, and some packs had 20 seeds in.

I read the info that was provided by T & M re carefully opening pack and emptying out onto a piece of white paper......

Even with my reading specs on and in full sunlight, some of them were that small they looked like grains of sugar...!!
I'm used to handling veg seeds, carrot and lettuce are fine seeds but I'm usually just scattering them about willy-nilly, where no precision is required .....

I tried moistening my finger to pick up the seed, then couldn't feel if it had dropped into the compost or even see it on the compost..!!!!

So a tad hit'n miss really ~ be interesting to see if I managed to get any into the seed trays ...!!! If none germinate, I'll know why, they're probably languishing on the GH floor!!!!

[craftymarie]

I haven't used them but you can buy these seed droppers (not sure what called) looks like a pen tool where you pop seed inside implement and then press to let seed(s) out. Perhaps that might have more control.

It is difficult with tiny seeds. I just about manage but I see the dilemma

[Martin H]

I've got some of those packets too. I raised an eyebrow at how few seeds there were, even though mostly I only want a maximum of 3 plants...

Anyway, I just get the pot or quarter tray of compost ready, then open the packet above the tray (carefully), then try and get the seeds spread out as much as I can given that I can't actually see them. I am hoping to be able to separate out as many as I need at the 2-true-leaf stage.

[Ryez]

What we need is a super-mini powder dispenser! A bit like those we use for make-up, and gently tap it to release a few specs.

[bearded bloke]

This works quite well for fine seeds ....

[veggiechicken]

Put a spoonful of flour or sand (or some other dry powdery stuff) in a small container.
Empty the seeds into the flour and give it a shake.
Sow this mixture in your pots................


and which packets were they, so I'm prepared before I open them

[SusieG]

This works quite well for fine seeds ....

What's that thingy called, BB..? And have you used it, is it any good..??

[Bigmallly]

I would try sprinkling them onto fine masking tape & plant the tape.

[veggiechicken]

What's that thingy called, BB..? And have you used it, is it any good..??

Its called https://www.amazon.co.uk/HuaYang-Adj.../dp/B019DF1LGO
Other retailers are available!

[SusieG]

I'm liking all the good ideas folks .......
Plenty to have a go at there!

[vixylix]

VCs sand suggestion is what I would have said - it distributes the seeds fairly evenly so you've at least got a good spread, then you can always prick them out seperately. They best be good for 20 seeds a packet!

[SusieG]

They weren't expensive Vix ...... It was the offer from T & M, worked out at 99p a packet - echinacea & aquilegia .....
Oh and oenothera lemon sunset ...

[boatsman]

Maybe you could use a tea strainer to sprinkle seeds?

[Scarlet]

What about us seed savers? We have to count these to bag up

[bramble]

I mix them with fine sand. Seems to work ok.