Seed Sowing Article

Sowing seeds for propagation of plants is a practice that has been performed since the beginning of humankind. The many ways in which seeds are naturally dispersed and germinated in the wild are almost as varied as the plants themselves. Being carried by wind, water, animals, birds, insects and countless other methods, and prepared for germination through fire, water, light, digestion, and even situations such as a specific variety of ant eating the external skin off the seeds and burying the seeds which, after the first rainfall after a fire, germinate.

We can only try our best to simulate nature when starting seeds, but seeds are an inexpensive, fun and rewarding way in which to increase almost all kinds of plants; being much easier and faster than most people realize.

With so many different types of plants and seeds, methods of sowing will vary for each variety. There are some basic and general rules when starting seeds:

Practice makes perfect. As with anything, the more one does something, the better they become at it. Seed sowing is no different. There is an art to planting seeds, yet it is one that is easily mastered. Follow the directions on the seed packet closely and have everything prepared and ready before beginning. For best results, always clean and sterilize tools, pots, planting medium and everything else used in the process. When sowing seeds, indoors or out, place the pot or tray away from direct sun and drafts, avoiding locations where they might be disturbed by an unsuspecting guest, child, or even worse, kitty. Have patience; most seeds are very fast to germinate, while others may be erratic or just plain slow. Sometimes seeds are the only manner in which one may propagate certain types of plants, and therefore still worthwhile.

Most hardy annual plants (those which germinate, grow, bloom, set seed and die within a year’s time, that are not affected by cold) may be started in fall or spring. Half hardy annuals (tender - killed by frost) are best sown in spring. Biennials (plants which require two years to flower before setting seed and dieing) are generally best planted in spring, and perennials (plants which live year after year) may be planted in spring and/or fall, depending on the variety.

As a general rule, seeds that are very fine and dust-like should be sown on the surface, very small seeds may be sown on the surface and given a very light dusting of mix to barely cover them, and larger seeds should be covered to their own depth. Flat seeds should be planted on their edge and hard-coated seeds may be soaked for at least 24 hours to aid in quicker germination. Seeds which are fleshy (as in some lilies and other bulbs), have a very short window of viability, and must be sown immediately.

Even though most seed packets have annual expiration dates, outdated seeds may still readily germinate. In general, the smaller the seed, the shorter their viability, though this does not always hold true. A minute poppy seed may last three years, while tomatoes and beans may remain viable for 10 years, with some trees even remaining viable for 20 or more. The success rate of germination will diminish with the age of the seeds, but even an old pack lying around is worth a shot. When storing seeds, place the packets into a closed container, and keep them in a dry, cool, dark place.

If you have any questions regarding seed sowing, please feel free to contact us!