Sowing seeds into trays
SOWING SEEDS in trays is an easy way of getting a large number of seedlings underway all at once.
About sowing into trays
Plants with very small seeds, like violas, cornflowers, lettuces and onions are sown into trays filled with seed raising mix. Seeds are then reared until they grow into seedlings with a couple of pairs of leaves or are about a finger length tall. At this stage seedlings are usually transplanted into pots and grown on until they are large enough to go out in the garden. In the case of onions and leeks – that produce slender seedlings – they are not transplanted into pots but instead are planted straight into garden soil.
How to sow seeds into a container
Place tray on a level surface, fill with dry seed-raising mix. Give tray a gentle tap on the side to settle compost.
Pour seeds into palm of one hand and use thumb and forefinger of the other to distribute
Using a pencil or iceblock stick push seeds just below compost surface – or to any recommended depth on seed packet
Add labels to indicate what seeds are where in your tray.
Using rose attachment on watering can, water seeds. This gets them going and ensures good contact between seeds and compost.
Place in a greenhouse or cold frame.
Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have a couple of pairs of leaves.
Transplant seedling into pot until its robust enough to plant in garden.
Equipment
Shallow tray with drainage holes, seed raising compost, trowel, seeds, pencil or ice block stick, labels.
TIP: Soaking seeds for an hour or so to before sowing can help stimulate germination
How to
- Place tray on a level surface, fill with dry seed-raising mix. Give tray a gentle tap on the side to settle compost.
- Pour seeds into palm of one hand and use thumb and forefinger of the other to distribute.
- Using a pencil or ice block stick push seeds just below compost surface – or to any recommended depth on seed packet.
- Add labels to indicate what seeds are where in your tray.
- Using rose attachment on watering can, water seeds. This gets them going and ensures good contact between seeds and compost.
- Place in a greenhouse or cold frame.
- Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have a couple of pairs of leaves.
