Growing plants from seed: How sowing works
Every plant is different. Therefore, it's not surprising that every plant, just like every other living thing, has its own characteristics and individual preferences. It's important to consider these preferences when sowing so that the plant can reach its full potential as it grows. But don't worry! As long as you adapt to each plant, nothing can go wrong with sowing. And to help you find your way around even better, we'll show you everything you need to know about sowing your favorite plant correctly! Ready? Then it's time to say: rake, get set, plant!
Broadly speaking, there are two ways to sow seeds: in a greenhouse or outdoors . So, which plant prefers where? And how do you properly prepare the bed so the plant thrives? What exactly do you need to consider when sowing? You can find out all about it here!
Despite the cold temperatures: greenhouse aid
A greenhouse is a fantastic invention. It allows us gardeners to enjoy fresh, home-grown vegetables practically all year round. The time factor is therefore the fundamental advantage of a greenhouse . No matter what the weather gods are up to outside, the greenhouse offers protection from wind, rain, and cold. So if you're itching to get started and can't wait for spring, a greenhouse is the perfect choice. The spring season can start much earlier this way – for example with fresh vegetables like lettuce . These can be planted in the greenhouse as early as the beginning of March and harvested as early as April. Despite the cold temperatures!
Be careful! Even if the greenhouse offers protection from cold temperatures, the temperature can still fluctuate greatly. This depends not least on the type and quality of the greenhouse. And one thing is always true: plants are different . While some plants like it warm and cozy, others prefer it much cooler. Lettuce , for example, feels most comfortable at temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees, whereas basil , tomatoes , peppers , cucumbers and eggplants prefer it much warmer and only germinate at temperatures between 20 and 23 degrees. It can therefore be advisable to check the room temperature in the greenhouse using a thermometer and, if necessary, adjust it in the desired direction using patio heaters or fans.
Since we constantly test our seeds , we now have some experience in sowing :-)
What else speaks for a greenhouse?
A greenhouse is ideal for growing vegetables and herbs. This allows the seeds to germinate and begin to grow in a protected environment before being planted outdoors and harvested later. For heat-loving plants, the season is simply too short here, so they can only be planted outdoors when they are already strong young plants and only when summer has really arrived (which is not so easy in northern Germany). It usually stays warm from May onwards, but you should definitely wait until the beginning of June before transplanting them into the outdoor bed. Heat-loving plants include delicious vegetables such as eggplants , chilies , pumpkins , melons , peppers , hot peppers and many types of tomatoes . The growing time must therefore be taken into account when choosing the right sowing time .
Sowing seeds correctly in a greenhouse: an overview of the most important rules
- What's both a blessing can also be a curse. The lack of wind in the greenhouse provides both protection and prevents rain-soaked leaves from drying out and heat from dissipating. To prevent the air from stagnating, it's important to plan for ventilation when building a greenhouse. Otherwise, nasty mold can quickly develop!
- Just like any gardening season, the soil must be properly prepared before sowing! This includes removing weeds , loosening the soil, and fertilizing it . But be careful! While good preparation is essential, soil care during the season shouldn't be forgotten.
- Now just water well and sowing can begin!
- Don't plant plants too close together! Plants need space to develop and flourish. So make sure you leave enough space between them when sowing. If plants are too close together, there's a risk they'll hinder each other's growth. So give them enough room to breathe!
Sowing outdoors
Step 1. Prepare the bed
This task isn't one of the most creative or fun for any gardener, but it's necessary. A well-prepared bed is the key to plant care and half the battle for a bountiful harvest. And if we're honest, the work isn't all that bad, considering the anticipation of the coming gardening season, which slowly but surely sprouts and grows during the preparations.
Ideally, bed preparation begins in autumn . As soon as everything has been harvested and autumn is just around the corner, the bed can be made winter-proof. So, get out the trident and dig thoroughly! Then it continues in spring! The accumulated leaves need to be raked from the bed (important!) and the soil is worked and loosened again vigorously with the trident! The top layer of soil in particular has been compacted by the cold and frost/snow and now needs even more care so that water absorption and aeration can function optimally again. If weeds have grown, these should also be removed from the bed. A little tip: Nettle and horsetail can be saved and used as fertilizer.
Fertilizer: yes or no?
Fertilizer never hurts! As an organic alternative to chemical fertilizers, aged horse manure and humus from old compost are particularly suitable, lightly worked into the soil. The nutrients are good for the soil and will later have a positive effect on the growth of your homegrown vegetables! If you've "rescued" the nettles and horsetail plants, soak them in rainwater in a large, waterproof container. Important: Cover the container afterward; as soon as fermentation begins, the brew will smell unpleasant. Stir the brew thoroughly every 1-2 days for 2-3 weeks. As soon as no more foam forms on the surface, the magic potion is ready and can be used once a week (in a 1:10 ratio) for watering.
Finally spring again
As soon as the first spring sun appears and the frost has receded, sowing can begin.
