Seed sowing guide

Sowing seeds into seed trays and pots, pricking them out and then eventually planting them out seems like three times the work of simply sowing seeds directly into the garden – so why bother? Some seeds require warm temperatures to germinate successfully and, if you grow them in containers, you can move them into positions that have the required warmth. Also, as seeds and seedlings are delicate, you may enjoy greater success if you place them in containers where you can care for them better, rather than subject them to the vagaries of a garden bed.

Why grow from seed?

• Most vegetables grow readily from seed.
• Growing plants from seed allows you access to many more varieties.
• Seedlings can be expensive. Seeds are much better value, and if you save your own, they are free.
• Seeds can often be easily collected, allowing them to be saved, stored and swapped between gardeners and regions.
• Some vegetables, such as carrots and radish, transplant poorly at the seedling stage and must be grown from seed sown directly into the soil.
• Growing plants from seed allows you to get a head start on some crops, as they can be grown under glass and then transplanted into the garden as semi-advanced plants.
• Growing plants from seed is fun and satisfying, and great for children and adults alike.

By Annette McFarlane 

Here’s a sowing guide to help with the planting of seeds at the right time and with appropriate spacing for happy growing. This guide was compiled by Phil Dudman and first appeared in ABC Organic Gardener in Issue 77.