How to store, when to sow and how to prepare for sowing.
Most gardeners begin their gardening career by experimenting with a packet of seeds, some compost and an area in which to plant their chosen species, along with the hope that after much care and attention, their efforts will be rewarded with the emergence of tiny seedlings that will then grow into healthy plants or vegetables.
Raising plants from seed is a fascinating and gratifying method that need not be too expensive or too challenging. The basic requirements consist of healthy seeds, purchased or saved; a good quality compost; moisture; light and warmth.
Many annuals and biennials, some perennials, as well as numerous fruits, vegetables and trees can be raised from seed. This method of propagation is often used when other methods, such as cuttings, fail.
Raising plants from seed is a fascinating and gratifying method that need not be too expensive or too challenging. The basic requirements consist of healthy seeds, purchased or saved; a good quality compost; moisture; light and warmth.
Many annuals and biennials, some perennials, as well as numerous fruits, vegetables and trees can be raised from seed. This method of propagation is often used when other methods, such as cuttings, fail.
How to store seeds
The advantage of using seeds is that many seeds can be stored for a long time and will still germinate after a lengthy storage period. However, in some cases sometimes germination can be difficult or will not take place at all.
Poor storage of seeds will greatly reduce their capacity to germinate and so when keeping seeds for a later use, ensure that the opened packet is tightly sealed and then placed in a jar with a screw-top lid. The jar should then be moved to a dark and cool place until required.
Seeds do die at some point, usually due to an internal chemical change, and from the outside it is practically impossible to tell whether a seed is living or not. Generally hard-coated seeds live longest. Always buy packets of seeds from a reliable and reputable source for a high percentage of successful germination and the best results.
Poor storage of seeds will greatly reduce their capacity to germinate and so when keeping seeds for a later use, ensure that the opened packet is tightly sealed and then placed in a jar with a screw-top lid. The jar should then be moved to a dark and cool place until required.
Seeds do die at some point, usually due to an internal chemical change, and from the outside it is practically impossible to tell whether a seed is living or not. Generally hard-coated seeds live longest. Always buy packets of seeds from a reliable and reputable source for a high percentage of successful germination and the best results.
When to sow seeds
Some plants are not strong enough to be grown in outdoor conditions until at least the end of spring and for this reason they are started off inside, in a greenhouse, cold frame or on a sunny windowsill.
The seedlings are moved outside between the months of April and May, when the frosts (if present), which would endanger the survival of the plants, have disappeared. Although sowing indoors is typically reserved for weaker plants, it can also be used for hardy vegetables and plants when the gardener wants an early crop.
Always check the seed packet for when to plant your seeds outdoors, as guidelines should always be provided. Most seeds will not be able to germinate until certain soil and air temperatures have been reached. Generally, hardy annual seeds can be sown outside in late March or April and half-hardy annual seeds in the late spring in May.
The seedlings are moved outside between the months of April and May, when the frosts (if present), which would endanger the survival of the plants, have disappeared. Although sowing indoors is typically reserved for weaker plants, it can also be used for hardy vegetables and plants when the gardener wants an early crop.
Always check the seed packet for when to plant your seeds outdoors, as guidelines should always be provided. Most seeds will not be able to germinate until certain soil and air temperatures have been reached. Generally, hardy annual seeds can be sown outside in late March or April and half-hardy annual seeds in the late spring in May.
Type of container for seeds
If you are starting your seeds off indoors, you will need to sow your seeds in some kind of container, which can be bought from your local garden centre or made at home from regular household items such as egg boxes. Generally, plastic or clay containers, trays, pots or boxes are used, although biodegradable peat pots are also popular.
All types of container should contain drainage holes or cracks, which can be produced by placing gravel or broken pots on the bottom of the vessel.
Before sowing the seeds, ensure that the container, even if it is new, is clean and even sterilised. This will prevent disease and infection of the plant seedlings and is an extremely important task. To sterilise the container or pots, use one part of chlorine bleach to nine parts water. After sterilisation, allow the pots to dry before adding the compost.
All types of container should contain drainage holes or cracks, which can be produced by placing gravel or broken pots on the bottom of the vessel.
Before sowing the seeds, ensure that the container, even if it is new, is clean and even sterilised. This will prevent disease and infection of the plant seedlings and is an extremely important task. To sterilise the container or pots, use one part of chlorine bleach to nine parts water. After sterilisation, allow the pots to dry before adding the compost.
Compost
A good quality, preferably loam or peat-based compost, is essential for successful germination and healthy and sturdy seedlings. Compost is much lighter than ordinary garden soil and is a more appropriate planting medium when sowing delicate seeds indoors for subsequent transplanting outside.
A generous amount of compost should be placed into the preferred type of container, over the gravel or broken pots, and levelled down using the hands and then a flat piece of wood. The compost should be watered the day before sowing the seeds, so that on the day it is moist but not soaking wet.
A generous amount of compost should be placed into the preferred type of container, over the gravel or broken pots, and levelled down using the hands and then a flat piece of wood. The compost should be watered the day before sowing the seeds, so that on the day it is moist but not soaking wet.
Pre-chilling seeds
Certain seeds, in this case, a number of alpine and herbaceous plants plus some shrubs, require a period of pre-chilling before planting in order to break their dormant period.
The preferred method of pre-chilling nowadays involves sowing the seeds into their pots, watering them and then covering the pots in plastic or placing in a polythene bag before chilling in the refrigerator for however long stated on the seed packet. Alternatively, for small seeds, place between sheets of damp blotting paper, seal in a polythene bag and refrigerate for one week.
The preferred method of pre-chilling nowadays involves sowing the seeds into their pots, watering them and then covering the pots in plastic or placing in a polythene bag before chilling in the refrigerator for however long stated on the seed packet. Alternatively, for small seeds, place between sheets of damp blotting paper, seal in a polythene bag and refrigerate for one week.
Nicking or chipping
Seeds with hard outer shells must be carefully nicked or chipped with a knife, scissors or tweezers, so that air and moisture can penetrate and start the germination process.
Soaking
Another way in which germination is speeded up is by soaking the seeds overnight. When the seeds swell up, they can be planted straightaway, however those that don't should be nicked with a pin or knife and left to soak for a further 12 hours.
