Preparing for Planting Season: Time to Get Sowing
January marks the beginning of the seed sowing season, with tender crops like chillies, aubergines, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, sweet peas, and more making their way into greenhouses and undercover areas. As the months progress, April sees the sowing of many crops outside, including aubergines, chillies, tomatoes, and more under cover, as well as courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, marrows, leeks, and more.
To make seed sowing easier, investing in essential items such as seed trays, compost, and a watering can is highly recommended. For those aiming to start seeds off early, a heated propagator or heat mat can provide the perfect conditions.
With sowing seasons varying for different crops, good hygiene, using fresh seed and compost, and good soil preparation are vital for successful seed germination. Here are nine key tips for seed sowing success:
1. Water gently after sowing to activate seeds and encourage germination, taking care not to wash away the seeds. 2. Keep the soil moist continuously during the germination period to prevent seeds from drying out. 3. Water frequently as needed to maintain soil moisture. 4. Cover the sowing area with materials like burlap, frost cloth, or straw to reduce drying out of the soil. 5. Remove the covering after seeds germinate to allow seedlings access to light and air. 6. Protect seeds from animals such as squirrels and birds using coverings like frost cloth or old bedsheets until germination. 7. Mark the planting area clearly to distinguish seedlings from weeds. 8. Succession plant your seeds to ensure prolonged blooming or harvest over several weeks or months. 9. Choose the right timing for sowing, typically when conditions match the heat-loving or seasonal needs of your plants.
For those new to seed sowing, separate guides are available for sowing small seeds, large seeds, sowing seeds indoors, and sowing seeds outside. Some seeds can be sowed successionally over several months to avoid gluts and ensure continuous harvests.
Online suppliers like Crocus, Thompson & Morgan, Suttons, and Dobies offer a wide variety of vegetable and flower seeds for purchase. In September, it's time to sow hardy annuals for early summer flowers next year, while in June, quick-growing crops like beetroot, radishes, and lettuce can be sown successionally for crops in a few weeks' time.
Different seeds need sowing at different times of the year, either inside or outside. In November, broad beans can be sown for an early crop next year, while garlic, onions, and shallots can also be sown at this time. In July, this is the last chance to sow biennials, with carrot fly protection necessary when sowing carrots using insect-proof mesh.
In December, garlic is traditionally sown on the shortest day of the year, while microgreens can be sown and grown year-round for an intense pop of flavor. February sees the continuation of sowing tender crops like tomatoes, chillies, aubergines, and peppers, as well as hardy crops and hardy annuals like sweet peas.
Runner and French beans, courgettes can be sown direct outside for later crops in June, while in October, peas (protected from mice) and garlic can be sown outdoors, making it a great time to start sowing sweet peas for early flowers next summer. Runner or French beans can be sown for a late crop in July.
August is a key month for sowing fast-growing crops such as radish, between slower-growing crops. It's also a crucial month for sowing winter crops. Continue sowing biennials and half-hardy annuals in June.
With these tips and a little patience, you can enjoy a bountiful garden full of fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers throughout the year. Happy seed sowing!
- For a successful garden in your home-and-garden, proper soil preparation is essential during the seed sowing season, such as January, when starting seeds indoors for tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
- Maintaining a lifestyle that includes regular gardening, following good practices like watering gently and providing the correct soil conditions, will help you enjoy a thriving home-and-garden filled with your favorite vegetables and flowers throughout the year.
