Prepare the ground:
To sow seeds outdoors, you don’t need to invest in expensive equipment. A trowel is sufficient for removing weeds and preparing the ground for sowing. Dig over the soil until it is loose enough for you to sink your hand into it. The soil should be moist but not soaking wet. If it’s dry, water it thoroughly at least 24 hours before sowing your seeds.
For flowers and leafy plants, dig in some well-rotted manure or compost and work it into the soil with a garden fork or trowel. For root vegetables such as carrots and beetroot, add a general-purpose fertiliser instead as this will raise the nutrient levels of the soil. Rake the soil until it is level and crumbly enough to support seedlings as they grow.
Sow seeds outdoors
Sow seeds outdoors
Seed companies usually recommend sowing seed at a specific depth. This is measured from the surface and given as a ratio or fraction, for instance “sow 1/4 inch deep”. The depth you sow at should be approximately ten times the diameter of the seed. However, very tiny seeds are often scattered on top of the soil and gently pressed in or covered with a light sprinkling of compost, vermiculite (if available), or fine sand.
Generally speaking, it’s better to sow seed too shallow than too deep! If you have trouble gaging ¼ inch depths, make yourself a “seeder” out of popsicle sticks that will help you measure proper seeding depths:
- Take two popsicle sticks and cut off their “sharp pointy” ends; then tape these two pieces together end-to-end so they form one long stick (a ruler).
- Using this ruler piece, mark off measurements along its length (in ¼ increments), being sure to leave about 2 inches extra on each end. So if you want your seeder to work for ¼ inch depth plantings, put a single mark at/near the 2 inch mark on your ruler; for ½ inch depth plantings make marks near the 1-3/4″ and 2-3/4″ marks on your ruler; etcetera. Use this chart as an example:
Use this chart as an example:
Watering
It’s important to water the soil, not the plant itself. In fact, watering directly on the plant can wash away seeds before they have a chance to grow. Try to avoid wetting or splashing plants, especially if your tap water is hard or has chemicals in it that may damage plants. The best time of day to water is in the morning. This will allow the soil and roots to absorb moisture throughout the day while also helping prevent mildew and mold from growing on leaves during hot summer evenings. Lastly, don’t over-water as this can drown plants as well as cause root rot and diseases of its own. Finally, remember that watering is more about vegetable gardens than it is about flower gardens. Watering does little for flowers but provides vital nourishment for your vegetables’ roots!
Aftercare
There is one last stage in sowing seeds outdoors: aftercare. Once you’ve planted your seeds or seedlings, check on them regularly to ensure that they are growing healthily. Ideally, you should plant in a sunny location where the soil does not become waterlogged after rain. Water regularly if there isn’t enough rainfall and make sure the soil is kept moist, as this will help germination. Watch out for pests such as slugs and snails who may nibble your crops and protect them by using slug repellent or by covering with fleece.
Sowing seeds outdoors is not difficult and many people find it incredibly rewarding.
Although it may appear daunting, sowing seeds outdoors is not difficult. Many people find it incredibly rewarding and also get a real sense of achievement from doing so.
Start by reading the instructions on the back of your seed packet or in the accompanying leaflet for any specific growing advice for your chosen variety. This will often include information about timing, where to sow them and how deep.
Sow your seeds in straight lines directly into the soil, about 2-4 inches apart. It is important to water regularly whilst the seeds are germinating, but don’t over do it as this can lead to problems such as damping off. Once they have sprouted, thin out any excess seedlings (which can be used in salads) to allow more space between each plant. If you are struggling with pest control then using eco friendly deterrants such as nematodes could help combat many common garden pests especially if you’re looking to grow edible plants too!