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How to sow seeds successfully every time an expert guide to sowing seeds indoors and outdoors

Can you smell that? The whiff of spring (and its new growing season) is just around the corner, which means you guessed it it's time to learn how to sow seeds.

Whether you're a beginner or a dab hand at growing your own vegetables, fruits, and flowers already, learning how to start seeds successfully is one of the most rewarding gardening jobs around.

It's also, too, a fun and cost-effective way to fill your garden border ideas and raised beds with all sorts of goodies. So, yes, it's well worth spending a little time on mastering your seed sowing techniques.

How to sow seeds successfully

Alsong as you know when to plant lupin seeds, lemon pips, allium heads or chilli seeds, every single seed is positively brimming with potential.

Is it any wonder, then, that so many of us are taking steps to harness that potential and put it to use in our own gardens and allotments?

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain)

Thankfully, learning how to sow seeds is surprisingly easy whether you're starting them indoors or outdoors. Still, there are some things to consider before you get to work on your new project.

'Before rushing off to the garden centre to stock up on seeds, first do some research about the type of crops or flowers youre looking to grow, the conditions they require and when to plant them,' says Nelly Hall, brand director at premium bespoke glasshouses manufacturer Alitex.

'Going seed shopping without planning what youre after is a bit like doing a food shop when youre really hungry you can get a bit carried away and miss the essentials!'

When it comes to choosing seeds, the possibilities are endless and incredibly convenient because, yes, you'd best believe you can buy seeds online.

However, the rest of your shopping list will be slightly different, depending on whether you want to learn how to sow seeds indoors or outdoors.

How to sow seeds indoors

Once you have everything you need, it's time to make good on all of your greenhouse ideas and learn how to sow seeds indoors.

What you will need

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'Always start by checking the instructions on the packet, as different plants have different requirements to successfully germinate,' advises Nelly.

Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, agrees. 'Every seed is slightly different,' he says.

'Lettuce, for example, can be sown on top of moist compost with a fine layer of compost over the top, whereas pumpkin seeds can be sown two per 7cm pot into multi purpose peat free compost about 1cm deep and then watered.'

Morris HankinsonFounder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries

Morris Hankinson is the founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries Ltd, the UKs only specialist grower-retailer of hedging plants. He established the thriving business in 1992, shortly after graduating with a Commercial Horticulture Degree from Writtle College, Essex.

Once you've read the small print, all you have to do is work your way through the following steps:

1. Prepare your pots or trays

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It doesn't matter if you're growing flowers or edimentals: you'll want to begin the process of sowing your seeds by preparing your trays or pots.

'Fill your small pots or trays with compost, then water them thoroughly and leave to drain,' says Nelly. 'Only after the water has drained through should you plant your seeds.'

Morris agrees, adding that 'its always better to sow into already moist compost rather than drench the seeds with water as this can wash the seeds to one end of the seed tray or contribute to seeds rotting away'.

2. Plant your seeds

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It might seem an obvious step in the process of learning how to sow seeds, but your next task is to 'sprinkle your choice of seeds evenly over the surface, leaving a few centimetres between each seed if you can,' says Nelly.

'Then, cover with a thin layer of compost. This should be about the same depth as the seed size, so the smaller the seed, the thinner the layer.'

Again, be sure to always 'read the instructions on each of your seed packets,' adds Morris, 'because different seeds will need slightly different methods of sowing.'

3. Find them somewhere warm to sit

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Whether it's heated or not, a greenhouse is an excellent place to start your seeds off or under a propagator, if possible.

'Most seeds germinate between 18C and 22C, so it is then simply a case of placing your pots in a warm, moist, and closed environment,' says Nelly.

Frosts, however, are still a risk even if you're using a greenhouse. 'Always have some horticultural fleece on hand to cover over your seeds on cold nights and that includes if your seeds are in a greenhouse or cold frame,' says Morris.

Keeping seeds on a warm windowsill is also a great place to get seeds started.

4. Show your seeds some TLC

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After a couple of weeks, you should notice that your seeds are starting to sprout.

'Keep them well-watered, and before long, your seedlings will develop their second pair of leaves, also known as their true leaves,' says Nelly.

'Then, they will be ready to be pricked out and potted on.'

How to sow seeds outdoors

If you'd prefer to wait until the frosts have passed and sow your seeds directly into the ground, you absolutely can. In fact, it'sideal if you don't have a greenhouse or much space to grow seedlings on windowsills.

As you might expect, though, learning how to sow seeds outdoors (also known as direct sowing) is quite different to starting them off inside...

What you will need

1. Prepare the ground

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More and more people are embracing the world of no-dig gardening right now, which is good news for anyone who hates turning the soil.

All you have to do is lay down a light-excluding mulch (eg cardboard) where you would like to plant, cover it over with your desired or available amount of compost, rake it over until it has a fine, crumbly texture, and then (you guessed it) plant straight into compost.

Be sure to prep accordingly, as 'sowing your seeds in a well-lit spot on even ground is essential,' says Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream.

Craig WilsonCo-founder, director and in-house gardening expert

Craig Wilson, co-founder and director of Gardener's Dream Ltd has established himself as a key figure in the onlinegardeningindustry. With over two decades of plant knowledge andgardeningexperience, he takes pride in sharing his top tips and tricks for thegarden.

'Without a proper foundation, it could stunt their growth,' he adds.

2. Make your drills

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Drills areshallow lines made in rows in the soil, into which you will plant your seeds.

'You can use the end of a trowel or a hoe to do this,' says Craig, 'and if you create straight rows, place a string line on your soil to help guide you.'

Again, be sure to check your seed packet to see the recommended sowing depth, as if you sow your seeds too deep, this can lead to your seed not germinating properly.

3. Get watering

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We've said it before and we'll say it again, but it's far easier to save an underwatered plant than it is an overwatered one. With that in mind, then, Craig says it's best to water your plot before you sow your seeds.

'Lightly go across your drills with water to give your soil the moisture it needs,' he says, stressing that you're aiming for 'moist' rather than 'drenched'.

4. Sow, sow, sow

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Finally, it's time to (sorry, but it bears repeating!) check the seed packet again to see the recommended spacing.

Then, and only then, should you start to place your seeds along the drill.

'If your seeds are small, be sure to distribute them as evenly as you can to give each seed enough space to grow,' says Craig.

'To cover the seeds, gently push the soil from either side of the drill, breaking up any large lumps of soil as you go along.'

You can water your seeds to help settle them (be sure to use a rose on your watering can), and then wait a few weeks for your seedlings to appear. Be sure to keep on top of weeds and pests, though, and you might like to consider covering your new plant babies with a fine mesh to protect them from hungry critters, too.

FAQs

Do you plant all the seeds in a packet?

While you can plant all the seeds in a packet at once, Morris urges gardeners to consider 'succession sowing' instead.

'Sow some of your seeds and then sow the same again two weeks later,' he explains. 'You can do this for as long as the seed packet says you can sow for and it can be done undercover in pots at this time of year or directly outside after the weather and soil has warmed up.'

Morris adds that 'this means you wont have all your seeds at once to pot on as they grow and to keep crops and flowers growing for longer throughout the year'.

Can you put seeds straight into soil?

Direct sowing is a surprisingly easy process, although, unlike indoor sowing, it means your seeds will have to contend with some seriously unpredictable elements: think weather, wildlife and insects, to name just three.

If you do opt for this method, Craig suggests that 'its always good to keep a note of the date and how long it took to grow'.

'Not only is this a brilliant way to keep track of where exactly youve planted your seeds, but it can also help you identify the most optimal areas of your garden for planting in the future,' he says.

Should I wet my soil before planting seeds?

Most gardeners prefer to plant into moist soil, as this will mean the seed is more likely to germinate properly. You can water them afterwards to help settle them, but take care not to drench them, as this can do more harm than good.

What are the easiest seeds to start?

While some seeds have more complicated needs than others, there are plenty that are considered incredibly easy to grow so much so that their seed packets are aimed at children in garden centres.

Try something like sunflowers, marigolds, herbs, sweet peas, lettuce, chives, or cress if you want to cut your teeth on an easy GYO project.

Now that you know how to sow seeds successfully, the world is your oyster (or should that be seed?), so go forth and experiment with as many different varieties as you like.

We promise that, when you see those early green shoots begin to emerge from the soil, all of your efforts will feel worth it!

How to sow seeds outdoors successfully in 7 simple steps

Growing flowers, vegetables, fruit, and herbs from seed is one of the most satisfying tasks you can do as a gardener. You don't necessarily need a large setup to do it either, as sowing seeds outdoors can be one of the most simple and inexpensive ways to fill your garden with plants each year.

With the know-how to germinate seeds successfully outdoors, it opens up a world of opportunities for what you can grow. Whether it is vegetables to feed your family, flowers to cut to brighten up your home, or annual plants to provide pops of color in beds and borders come summer - all of those listed and more can be done by sowing seeds outdoors.

In my years as a professional gardener, I grew lots of plants from seed every year. A lot of those were started indoors, however, there were always certain crops that were directly sown into the kitchen gardens I worked in. On my allotment at home, I also sow seeds outdoors year-on-year to grow lots of edible plants. Using my knowledge picked up over the years, I outline six steps to follow to be successful in sowing seeds outdoors.

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What plants can be sown outdoors?

You can sow seeds outdoors for a huge number of plants. Annuals and biennials for flower beds and cut flower gardens are perfect for sowing outdoors, as are many vegetables and herbs.

Tender plants and those that have a long growing season, including the likes of tomatoes and eggplants, are best sown indoors earlier in the year.

Sowing seeds indoors is a more controlled and protected way to start plants off, however, if you are short of indoor space then sowing outdoors can be a successful way to start lots of ornamental plants and vegetables.

When to sow seeds outdoors

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The exact time to start sowing seeds outdoors will depend on your US hardiness zone and the specific climate in your location.

The window to start seeds outdoors opens once the risk of frost has passed for your area and the soil is workable. How warm the soil needs to be will depend on the specific plant you are planning to sow - so always refer to seed packets to find out the recommended temperatures and sowing times for any flowers, herbs, or vegetables.

The warmer soil temperatures of spring and summer mean lots of fast-growing vegetables and flowers can be sown directly and will germinate quickly. You can warm the soil earlier in the year by using cloches or horticultural fleece to bring forward when you can plant seeds outdoors - as they will also provide a warmer and more protected environment for germination.

An attractive lightweight growing cover that can warm the soil in spring, allowing for earlier seed sowing, and protects against weather and pests

How to sow seeds outside - the methods available

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There are two ways in which you may sow seeds outside into borders or a vegetable garden. Seeds are either planted into pre-made drills or holes made into the soil and then covered over, with rows prepared at set intervals as outlined on seed packets. The alternative is to broadcast the seed over the surface of the soil - which tends to be a tactic used primarily to sow grass seed or plant a wildflower meadow.

How to start seeds outdoors in 7 simple steps

Direct sowing seeds outdoors is an easy and economical way to grow lots of plants in your garden. There is no real specialist equipment required to sow and germinate seeds successfully, just give seeds a bit of care and attention and they should grow.

There are outside factors that can hamper your efforts though, including the weather and animals that may be attracted to seeds or seedlings. Here is our simple guide to how to sow seeds outside in just 6 steps:

1. Prepare the soil

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A very important step to take time on, as well-prepared soil can help with successful germination and a high germination rate. Depending on your soil type, you may need to incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, or add a slow-release fertilizer to increase the nutrient levels for your plants.

The soil needs to be thoroughly weeded and have any large stones or debris removed. Any clumps of soil should be broken up and the soil surface needs to be raked to create a fine and level surface for sowing into. If the soil has recently been dug over, it is recommended to tread it to flatten it down. However, if you are doing no-dig gardening this is not a required step - as long as the soil is level you are good to go.

A multi-purpose 17-tine garden rake made of durable stainless steel for reliability and long term use

2. Prepare the sowing drills

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The recommended method of sowing seeds outdoors should be featured on the seed packet. For most plants, sowing into drills or holes in the ground is the preferred method.

When sowing vegetables or flowers for cutting, using string lines can help to ensure straight rows. Make drills into the soil using a cane, garden hoe, or the back of a rake to the recommended sowing depth.

I always found it best to run along the drill more than once to ensure that it is deep enough and soil simply does not just fall back in and fill it up. Gently watering the drills before sowing can help with germination, though take care not to flood the drill with soil again.

For larger seeds, such as pumpkin or squash seeds, individual holes can be made in the soil at the advised spacings.

3. Sow the seeds

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Depending on the size of the seeds you are sowing, you can either plant individual seeds at the recommended spacing or lightly scatter smaller seeds along the drill to thin out once they germinate.

Pinching and sprinkling seeds along the drill can be a successful method, while sometimes I take a pile of seeds in the cupped palm of one hand and gently tap them out along the drill using two fingers on my other hand. However you choose to do it, you want to evenly distribute the seeds along the drill, trying to avoid clumps of seeds together and then large gaps where none are sown.

Very fine seeds can be mixed with sand to be sown to help give a bit more control over sowing. Mixing with sand can also be beneficial when broadcasting seeds over the soil surface. Use a rake to lightly cover the drill over again with soil and gently tamp it down.

4. Water the seeds

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Even if you moisten the drill before sowing, it is still beneficial to gently water the soil afterwards - but take care to be very gentle. Use a garden hose on a fine spray setting, or a watering can with a fine rose attached, such as this one at Amazon, to carefully moisten the soil without washing the seeds away.

Keep a close eye on when to water over the following days and continue to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged as this can cause the seeds to rot. When it comes to how to water, always be gentle and try not to disturb the soil too much.

5. Label your seeds

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After taking all that care to prepare the ground and sow the seeds carefully, it would be foolish not to record what you planted. Place a label at the end of the row - or either end to make double sure - so you know what was planted where, and also the date they were sown.

Marking the rows makes it easier to track and identify germination and see the seedlings. It will also help identify which seedlings that pop up may be weeds that need to be removed. You can get plant labels that are plastic, wooden, metal, or slate - whichever you choose may depend on your garden style and budget.

6. Protect the seedlings

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One of the main dangers of sowing seeds outdoors is the risk that slugs and snails can nibble on seedlings as soon as they have popped up. There are also potential problems if cold weather sweeps in.

Using garden cloches or horticultural fleece can help to protect seeds and keep the soil temperatures warmer, while covering seedlings with mesh can be a way to get rid of slug and snail issues.

Creating boundaries of rough surfaces can also be a slug control method, along with putting beer traps in the garden to tempt the pests away from your precious seedlings.

7. Thin seedlings

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Unless you were supremely careful when sowing the seeds, it may be required to thin the seedlings as they germinate. Overcrowding can lead to unhealthy seedlings, and plants that will never grow to full size, so removing selected ones helps those that remain to develop into mature and healthy plants.

Gently remove seedlings when they are young to get the recommended spacing. Thinning seedlings when they are small reduces the dangers of the roots being tangled and pulling out other seedlings with them. It may be necessary to do more than one stint of thinning until you get to the final desirable spacings.

FAQs

Can you start seeds in pots outside?

If you grow plants in a container garden, then it is perfectly acceptable to sow seeds outdoors directly into the pots. Any container needs to have drainage holes in the bottom and be filled with a good-quality potting mix.

Sow the seeds at the recommended depth and gently moisten the compost. Keep the soil consistently moist and thin the seedlings as required as they appear. If you practise successional planting in a vegetable garden, you can start seeds in pots outside and then transplant the seedlings into the ground once the space opens up for them.

How long does it take for seeds to germinate outside?

The time it takes will vary depending on the plant, the location, and also the weather conditions. However, it can take between 1-4 weeks for seeds to germinate. While some seeds are notoriously slow to germinate, factors such as low soil temperature and a lack of moisture are usually two culprits that delay germination.

Older seeds can also take longer to germinate, as their viability drops, so it may be worth getting new packets when ordering your seeds for the year.

It is always a great idea to make a seed sowing schedule for the season, which will include all sowings both indoors and outdoors. Putting a plan together can help you get organized and make planting vegetables and flowers feel less stressful.