Sowing Vegetable Seeds

If you are new to gardening and contemplating how to sow vegetable seeds, this blog will provide valuable insight.

Sowing vegetable seeds comes with numerous advantages. Not only is this process satisfying, but it also provides you with fresh and organic food for consumption. And following the correct method can produce a fresh supply of veggies throughout the season.

Growing your own vegetables is also cost-effective and healthy compared to purchasing them from the supermarket. And because so many unique varieties are available from the seed, the whole process is even more interesting. Some include:

• Jalapeno chilli peppers
• Lettuce
• Beans
• Cucumber
• Salad leaves
• Spinach
• Dwarf green beans
• Bok Choy
• Kale
• Chard
• Rocket
• Courgette
• Okra
• Corn
• Beetroot
• Turnips
• Radishes

What to do before sowing seeds?

Growing vegetables require proper planning and procedure. Naturally, you cannot just sprinkle seeds on the ground and expect them to grow. They require nourishment, care, and adequate growth factors to thrive in the environment.

Here are some things that you must consider before sowing seeds for your vegetable garden:

• Always check the planting dates of the vegetables. This gives you an idea about when each crop should be planted.
• Read the instructions carefully before sowing seeds.
• Always clean trays and pots thoroughly before using.
• Choosing the right compost is the key to a successful plantation.
• Learn about the growth conditions required for your chosen crop, and implement those strategies.
• Make sure to remove any weeds before planting any vegetables.
• Add organic matter and fertiliser to prepare the soil and make it fertile for plantation. 

What is the best time to sow vegetable seeds?

The best time for sowing vegetable seeds varies depending on the area, where you live, weather conditions, and the crop. However, most months of the year are considered good for sowing – except for December and January. As a general rule of thumb, you can start planting four to six weeks before the last frost date.

Vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, chards, and other salad crops can be grown in small amounts throughout the year. However, the ideal time to start sowing seeds for your vegetable garden is between March and late May. It gives the seedlings adequate time to germinate and grow properly.

How to sow seeds?

The method of sowing seeds depends upon which crop you are planting. Some vegetable seeds such as carrots, fava beans, radishes, cucumber, and okra are planted outside. Others, like broccoli, cabbage, and tomatoes, can be sown inside.

·         Outdoor

1. Planting your seeds outdoors you must prepare the soil by weeding and levelling. Also, don’t forget to remove stones, roots.
2. Prepare the garden bed, tuck seeds directly into the soil and spread them evenly. This method of sowing vegetable seeds is termed direct sowing. In essence, this procedure is ideal for crops grown in spring and summer.
3. Water the seed bed regularly to aid in the germination process. However, please don’t apply direct high-pressure water to prevent seeds from being washed away.

·         Indoor

1. Take a large bowl or tray and fill it with soil.
2. Make sure that the soil you are using is organic and fertilised. Moisten it with lukewarm water.
3. Once you have prepared the containers, plant the seed-starting mix in moist soil.
4. If the seeds are tiny, like lettuce or arugula seeds, sprinkle them evenly onto the container. However, we suggest planting just one or two in a single pot for larger seeds.

How to sow seeds in a container?

Planting seeds in a pot is a great way to start your vegetable garden.

Growing vegetable seeds in a container protects them from birds and insects. Moreover, the warm temperature and damp soil also help speed up the germination process. With a little planning and attention, you can ensure the successful propagation of your crops. Below, we share a general method of sowing seeds in a container:

1. Start by choosing the right type of container for your vegetable produce. We recommend using seed starting trays or large pots for beginners to avoid overcrowding of the seeds.
2. Ensure that the container or pot you choose has holes for proper drainage. Clean it thoroughly before adding any soil.
3. The next step is to prepare the soil mix. Add compost and dampen it.
4. Read the instructions on the seed label and plant accordingly.     
5. Sprinkle the seeds evenly using your fingers or toothpicks. Moisten them by spraying water.
6. Ensure that the container or seed-starting tray is receiving adequate light and temperature. 

How to grow vegetables in a greenhouse?

A greenhouse is perfect for growing tomatoes and many other vegetables that need steady temperatures and a controlled environment for germination.  Some of these include; pumpkins, carrots, radishes, squash, and sweetcorn among other veg seeds.

While sowing our quality vegetable seeds in a greenhouse, make sure that you are planting the veg seeds at the proper depth. Pay attention to seed spacing as well. Some veggies, such as carrots and radishes, require adequate space to grow properly. As greenhouses provide a controlled environment, you can start the sowing process any time of the year.

What is multiblock sowing?

Multi-sowing is an efficient and economical way of sowing seeds in clusters. The best part about this method is that you can plant more seedlings in very less space. In fact, it allows you to be creative with small areas. Why? Because it enables you to grow more seedlings within the same cell or tray.

Multisowing works best for veggies with roots or bulbs, such as beetroot, spring onions, radishes, leeks, spinach, and chard. Furthermore, by opting for a multi-sowing technique, you can use less compost to propagate a large number of plants. It also saves you ample time and space because you are growing two or more vegetables at once.

We hope that the above guidelines and methods for sowing vegetable seeds prove to be helpful for you. To enrich your knowledge and read more gardening tips, feel free to visit our blog section. And if you are looking for seed packets to kick-start your vegetable garden, check out our website to look at the seeds we sell.