Basic Sowing Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Sowing

• You get a head start on the season.
• You can maintain more control over temperature and moisture.
• The plants are larger when you transplant them. As a result, you are less likely to suffer from pests like slugs eating your mini seedlings. The larger the plants you put in the ground, the less attractive they become. Tiny seedlings just starting to sprout are much more vulnerable.

Tip: Use a propagator to get your seeds to germinate faster. This allows you to grow consistently even in a cold house.

If you are going to start seeds indoors, good light is a real game-changer. Without sufficient light, your seedlings will grow tall in search of the sun but remain limp and weak – we often call these types 'Leggy Larrys'. Fortunately, you can easily prevent that with grow lights!

• Why use grow lights?
  Grow lights give your seedlings exactly the right light they need to grow strong and healthy. Especially in winter and early spring, when it is often still dark and gloomy outside, grow lights are a lifesaver.
• How do you use grow lights?
  Hang the lights about 10-15 cm above your seedlings and leave them on for 12-16 hours every day. A timer can be useful so you don't have to keep turning them on and off (at least you won't have to worry about that anymore).

With direct sowing, you plant the seeds directly into the open ground. This is suitable for crops that grow quickly or do not like being transplanted, such as carrots, radishes, and sunflowers. When? From April/May, as soon as the soil warms up and is no longer frozen. 

• It saves time and materials.
• The plants develop strong roots right from the start. 

Organic seeds are grown without chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. They are often stronger and better adapted to natural conditions. The 'organic' label indicates that the seed meets strict requirements for sustainability and biodiversity. 

Sowing depth determines how deep you place a seed in the soil. This varies per plant; some seeds need more soil than others. A handy rule of thumb is to plant the seed about twice as deep as the thickness of the seed itself. 

Light, dark, and cold germinators – might sound complicated, but it’s actually very simple once you know how it works!

• Light germinators love sunlight. So, just sow them on the surface and don't cover them. Press them down lightly so they make good contact with the soil, but leave them in the light to germinate.
• Dark germinators don't need light to grow; they actually prefer some privacy. Sow them and then cover them with a thin layer of soil so they can germinate in the dark.
• Cold germinators are seeds that first need a cold period to germinate. In nature, they wait out the winter, but as a gardener, you can mimic this by putting the seeds in the fridge or freezer for a while. After a few weeks, take them out of the cold and sow them in a warm spot. 

• Plant spacing: The space between individual plants. For example, 30 cm between cabbages.
• Row spacing: The space between rows of crops. For example, 50 cm between rows of beans.

These distances ensure that plants receive enough light, air, and nutrients. 

The location is the spot where you can best grow the crop. Some plants need lots of sun (for example, tomatoes), while others prefer partial shade (like spinach). Also, check if the soil is suitable; sowing in well-draining soil is a must for many crops. 

The possibilities for sowing are endless! From classic trays and seed trays to creative reused items – think of empty toilet paper rolls or grape punnets. Anything that holds sowing soil and gets a second life is fine! Take a look around the house; who knows, you might already have your perfect sowing solution lying around.

Holes at the bottom of your seed tray are very important! They ensure that excess water can drain away, which prevents root rot. Without holes, water often remains, which can be harmful to your seedlings. As an experienced gardener, you might manage without them because you have a good feel for what your plants need. But as a beginner, drainage holes really are the best solution!

We have been sowing in seed trays for years, and it saves so much work during transplanting! The idea is simple: you place one or two seeds per cell or plug, which increases the chance of success. Do both seeds germinate? Then you keep the strongest one – yes, that's sometimes a bit painful, but it's for the health of the plant. The big advantage of seed trays is that you don't have to disturb the roots of your seedlings when repotting, allowing them to continue growing faster!

For sowing, it is best to use seed starting and cutting soil, and for transplanting and repotting, use potting soil. Seed starting soil is airier and more permeable than potting soil, which retains more moisture and is richer in fertilizers. That does not mean that sowing in potting soil is impossible; for some plants, like pumpkins and courgettes, it works fine. For more delicate seeds, however, a lighter seed starting soil is usually the best choice.

Do you have everything you need to give your seeds a good start? In our webshop, you will find an extensive range of seeds and growing supplies. Whether you are just starting out or already have experience, we will help you on your way with everything you need for a successful sowing season.

Sowing is a task that requires patience, attention, and love. Hopefully, this simple sowing guide helps you on your way! Don't forget to check out our growing guides for specific tips and sowing inspiration. Happy sowing!