The sight of seedlings breaking through the soil is something every gardener looks forward to, but there are many factors that can affect germination. Follow these fool-proof tips to be sure of sowing success
If you’re a first-time gardener or looking to brush up on the ins and outs of seed sowing, then look no further than this handy guide. Covering indoor and outdoor germination, the best equipment to use and useful tips to encourage even the most stubborn of seeds to spring to life, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get down to basics
The first thing to understand is that seeds have three requirements for germination: warmth, water and light. Different edibles will require varying ratios as they develop. For example, spinach prefers dappled light, whereas tomatoes will want all the sun they can get. However, when you’re sowing seeds it’s good to provide an even mixture of all three. These conditions can be achieved indoors, outdoors or in under cover spaces – the difference between them lies in the time of year to start sowing.
Good quality compost or earth is also a crucial part of the sowing process. If the soil is depleted it can hinder the growth of your young plants, so make sure that you buy compost from reputable brands or incorporate well-rotted organic matter into your veg beds a few weeks before you start seeds outdoors.
Get your timings right
To enjoy sowing success, it is crucial that you begin during an appropriate month of the year. Seed packets will be able to tell you this information, as well as if your chosen crop is best sown indoors or outdoors. By following the instructions carefully and waiting until the right month to crack on, you’ll be giving your young plants a strong start in life.
Sow indoors/under cover
Starting seeds in your home or in a greenhouse is great for sowing early in the year, as well as extending your growing options at the end season. For an extra hit of warmth, you can make early sowings on a kitchen windowsill. Alternatively, begin in February or March in a heated greenhouse. During these colder months it’s crucial to maintain a consistently warm temperature, so why not install a thermometer to help you keep an eye on this? If you’re growing on a windowsill, move your seeds further indoors overnight to protect them from the cold.
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 cultivation, whi
