A step-by-step guide to planting flower seeds.
A little note
Your flower seeds will look great no matter what space you have available. They can be grown in meadows, garden beds, pots, or anything else you can think of. All you need is a place to put them, soil, and a bit of sun. Plus the items listed below.
This guide is for beginners. If you’re using trays and raising seedlings, refer to the guide here.
Things you’ll need:
- Seeds
- Hands. With gloves if you like
- Little spade or hands
- Potting mix or garden bed soil
- A watering head with the ability to mist or spray bottle
Step one: Prepare your soil
You can keep this simple by adding your soil directly to your garden bed or pot to the level you prefer (generally 5-10cm from the top).
If you're putting your seeds in a garden bed and if you have it available, add a thick layer of rotting leaves or compost beforehand to improve the soil. If it's a new garden bed, put a layer of cardboard down before you add the soil and compost to prevent weeds.
Step two: Add your seeds
There are several ways you can plant (sow?) your seeds. Personally, I throw them in the general direction they need to go because I like chaos. You can do the same, or you can lightly sprinkle them across the area.
One trick is to mix your seeds with some soil or sand before spreading for a more even spread.
If you’re unsure how much seed to add to your area, the rule of thumb is 2-3 grams per square metre.
Step three: Add a thin layer of soil
Once your seeds are down, add a thin layer of soil (1-2cm) to protect them from the weather and birds, and keep them in place.
Step four: Water gently
Using the mister on your hose or a spray bottle, give the seeds a good soaking but stop before the soil starts forming puddles.
Step five: Wish them good luck
But also keep the soil moist over the next few weeks while the seeds germinate and sprout. Once they start to reach 10-15cm it’s a good idea to remove a few to reduce overcrowding.
