Sowing Vegetable Seeds

Most vegetables are grown from seed by the home gardener.  Some are grown through various stages of transplanting after sowing, whilst others are sown in situ (planted in their final growing position).  Smaller-sized seeds are usually sown in seed beds or seedling trays.  Larger seeds are best sown directly into the soil.  Many root vegetable crops are sown in drills (shallow furrows in long rows) directly into the garden soil.  If they germinate in profusion, the young seedlings may require thinning out to allow the most vigorous plants to grow to maturity.  Here are some handy hints:

Sowing into Trays or Seed Beds:

• Fill seed trays or multi-cavity flats with seedling growing medium
• Firm down and level to smooth surface
• Scatter fine seeds evenly across the surface of flats, or sow individual seeds into each cavity
• Cover the seeds with a thin layer of seedling growing medium or vermiculite
• This layer must be the depth of the diameter of a single seed
• Firm down and water well with fine spray
• Place trays in a protected spot in light shade
• Check daily and water when the surface is dry
• Once seedlings have produced 4 to 5 leaves they are ready to be transplanted
• Plant out into the vegetable patch, or in some cases, seedling packs for growing on
• Fertilise young seedlings with water-soluble plant food (2:1:2 formula)

Sowing in situ:

• Prepare the planting beds by turning over the soil
• Add compost or kraal manure at the recommended rate, along with fertiliser (superphosphate/bone meal or 2:3:2 formula)
• Mix these into the top 15cm layer of garden soil and rake to a smooth surface
• Sow seeds in drills or in trenches, depending on type
• Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil, or simply rake lightly over the seeds
• Water thoroughly after sowing
• Check regularly for watering and competing weeds
• As soon as the seeds germinate, apply cut worm bait
• Some seedlings may need to be thinned out as they develop
• Certain veggies, like pumpkins and squashes, are usually planted in well-prepared mounds

Sow in Drills:  Beetroot, Carrots, Radish, Swiss Chard, Turnip
Sow in Trenches or Mounds:  Beans, Broad Beans, Corn, Cucumber, Melons, Peas, Pumpkins, Squash, Watermelons

The information presented on this website is intended solely as a general guide. We neither endorse specific plant varieties over others nor claim expertise in stock performance. All information is believed to be accurate, based on private inquiries and experiences, and is provided in good faith. Blackwood’s, including its employees, disclaims any responsibility for harm, loss, cost, or damage arising from the use or reliance upon any information on this website, especially if any part of the information proves to be inaccurate or incomplete. Please note that the displayed photos are not representative of current stock but are used for illustrative purposes only.