Sow good How to grow your dream vegies and flowers from seed

Sow good Seeds are the ultimate example of good things in small packages – just add soil and water to grow your dream vegies and flowers from scratch

Plan it

Propagating from seed

Anna Robinson, Tammy Huynh. Photography

Words

@Sam_and_wild_violet_garden. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. W ithout a doubt, seeds are one of the most economical ways to grow plants – for just a few dollars, you can buy them in abundance. This is no secret, but many go straight to seedlings or mature plants, believing seeds to be difficult to grow. But with the right plant choice and care, they can thrive. Here’s how to ensure yours succeed. 

The first, embryonic leaves to emerge are known as cotyledons or ‘seed leaves’, and provide nourishment to the sprouting plant

Do the groundwork Before sowing into garden beds, remove the competition. “Get rid of weeds as they steal valuable water and nutrients from your plants,” says horticulturist Chloe Foster (@fosteryourgarden). Hand weed regularly to control them. When the bed is clear, enrich it with plenty of compost and well-rotted manure and work it into the soil – the final texture should be fine and crumbly.

If the soil is difficult to dig or you don’t have the space for garden beds, use a planter filled with premium-quality potting mix. It’s best to raise seeds in a separate tray or pot filled with fine seed-raising mix (rather than the coarser potting mix) before transplanting them.

Make your selection Most plants grow well from seed, but as a general rule, the bigger, the better. “Large-seeded varieties, like beans, peas, sweet corn, pumpkin, sunflowers, sweet peas and nasturtiums, are foolproof,” says Dana Pank, horticultural adviser to Mr Fothergill’s. “They’re easier to handle and more robust, making them ideal for beginners.” But size doesn’t always matter. “Plants in the onion family also grow well from seed – try spring onions, onions, chives, leeks and shallots,” suggests Chloe.

There are plants that can perform better when grown from seed as they do not transplant well. These include root vegies, like carrot, daikon, parsnip and turnip. “Sow them directly where they are to grow, as transplanting seedlings can damage or stunt their growth,” explains Dana.

Prep and prime Some seeds need extra care before you put them to bed. They typically have a hard coating that needs to be broken down or removed to help break dormancy and encourage germination. “Australian wildflowers such as native wisteria and Sturt peas need scarifying and soaking EXPERT TIP

Protect emerging seedlings from snails and slugs by scattering snail pellets around garden beds. But be aware they can be toxic to pets; alternatives include a cloche or similar as a physical barrier

Seven sprouters

Certain plants grow especially well from seed; check the packet instructions for when and how to sow

Sweet pea Beans Sunflower

Choose a sunny, well-draining spot in the garden to increase your chances of success, and mulch the soil to help prevent it drying out in hot weather

Keep track of what you’ve planted where with weatherproof tags or markers. Try Gardman 100mm copper plant labels, $3.74/pack of 10, I/N: 2961055

in hot water,” says Dana. “This helps soften the impervious seed coating, allowing it to absorb water needed for germination.” Not all seeds require this or any treatment, though. “Always refer to the back of the packet,” adds Dana.

Soil versus seed trays Whether you sow direct into beds or raise seeds in trays is mostly personal preference. “For beginners, it is easier to sow seeds in trays as you have better control of the growing environment,” says Chloe. Use a shallow tray or container with drainage holes, and fill with seed-raising mix.

Alternatively, to help minimise root disturbance, try biodegradable pots or peat pellets. “These pots can be planted straight into the garden once seedlings are ready,” says Chloe. Seedlings are generally ready for planting out when they’re about 7-10cm tall, or after their first ‘true’ leaves emerge – that is, the leaves that appear after the first set of ‘seed leaves’.

Sowing in pots or trays on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse helps you get a head start on your growing season. “Plant tomato, chilli or zucchini seeds indoors in late winter and they will be ready to plant out by the time the weather warms,” says Dana. You can, of course, sow direct into prepared beds when the conditions are right for your area. 

Anna Robinson,

Photography

@Sam_and_wild_violet_garden ; (‘Seven sprouters’) Getty Images,

Chives Sturt pea Rocket Pumpkin

Seed tapes make light work of planting: simply lay them out, cover lightly with soil and keep moist

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Seed shopping

Once established in seed trays, plant seedlings out at the spacing specified on the seed packet

Sowing for success For tips, refer to the back of the seed packet, which will specify the depth, spacing and correct planting times. Missing these criteria can result in poor – or worse, zero – germination. But if you sow them too close together, don’t worry. “This is an opportunity to thin or remove the weaker, straggly looking seedlings and open up the final spacing distance,” says Dana Pank.

If you’re unsure, a great hack is ‘seed tape’, where seeds are correctly positioned along a layer of tissue-like biodegradable paper. Simply roll out and plant at the right depth. “The tape eliminates the need for thinning, saving you the hassle,” adds Dana.

For small seeds, like carrots, kale, coleus, poppies and sweet alyssum, it can be tricky to sow individual seeds. If you’re a perfectionist, a pair of tweezers is handy. Place seeds on the soil surface and lightly cover with seed-raising mix or vermiculite. Alternatively, mix them with fine sand – this reduces the likelihood of too many landing in one spot. Mix one-part seeds to four-parts sand and carefully scatter. If seeds are exposed, lightly mulch with vermiculite. Water in with a fine mist spray. ◆

Watch it!

Now prepare a place for your new plants:

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1 Reko 30-cell round seedling tray in Black, $5.35, I/N: 2940608. 2 Scott’s ‘Osmocote’ seed and cutting premium potting mix, $11.98/25L, I/N: 2961489. 3 Mr Fothergill’s ‘White Lisbon’ spring onion seed tape, $4.75, I/N: 2960632. 4 Mr Fothergill’s ‘Jiffy’ 36mm peat pellets, $4.90/pack of 12, I/N: 2961322. 5 Pope micro control hand spray, $9.68, I/N: 3111066. 6 Saxon mini greenhouse with seed tray, $9.98, I/N: 2960182. 7 Brunnings vermiculite, $9.68/5L, I/N: 3016191. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

NEW-SEASON LOOK

Spring into the warm months and paint your garden with potted colour. It’s easy with Northcote Pottery and Cyclone hand tools

Whatever your garden situation – modest balcony to palatial grounds – potted plants are a fantastic way to make a statement. Spring is a great time to add more fabulous foliage to your home, invigorating your patio for a fresh new-season look! Punctuating your garden with potted foliage is so simple, with a little help from Northcote Pottery and Cyclone hand tools.

STEP 1: PICK YOUR POT

What’s your garden style? Whether you’re after a touch of rustic charm, like the ‘Kentucky’ whiskey barrel planter, or a clean coastal feel with a sand-toned ‘Maxim’ drum, Northcote Pottery has a look to love. You’ll also need to think about what you’ll be planting in it, as this will naturally influence your decision; Northcote Pottery’s Precinct Lite range comes in a range of sizes, including generously deep and wide pots, which can hold bigger plants or a selection of varieties, if you want to try a collage of ‘thrill, spill and fill’ foliage. Will you need to move the pot from season to season, or for cleaning? The ‘Villa’ plastic trough offers modern good looks, with the flexibility of a lightweight material, so you can lift and move it easily.

STEP 2: START WITH SOIL

Decide what you’ll be planting and pick an appropriate high quality potting mix. The Cyclone potting scoop (4), with its large stainless steel cup, makes the task of filling planters with soil quicker and cleaner. If you do make a mess of

Northcote Pottery 44cm x 40cm fibreclay cylinder pot in White, $64.98, I/N: 0238848

Northcote Pottery ‘Villa’ 800mm plastic trough in Graphite, $40, I/N: 2941153 Northcote Pottery Precinct Lite ‘Maxim’ 42cm x 36cm drum planter in White, $65.40, I/N: 2930031

Northcote Pottery ‘Kentucky’ 52cm whiskey barrel planter in Walnut, $42.50, I/N: 2832291

the patio in the process, a quick sweep will clear off any dirt in a jiffy. Tracked soil inside too? The Cyclone ProSeries multi-surface broom (5) is the one you want to have on hand – tough enough to tackle outdoor mess, but soft enough to travel inside when needed.

STEP 3: POTTING UP

Good tools not only make this part of the job cleaner and easier, they also give you more control, so you can avoid damaging new plants. The Cyclone hand trowel (1) is a must-have gardener’s friend, used for potting up and dividing smaller plants, while the Cyclone bulb trowel (2) is its trusty sidekick, ideal for not only planting bulbs, but also for transplanting small, delicate plants or seedlings.

STEP 4: KEEP IT TIDY

You’ve planted up your pots and they’re looking amazing! Now keep them lovely with a Cyclone hand fork (3). Use the leather strap to hang this beauty within easy reach, because it’s about to become your new favourite tool, used for lightly cultivating between shallow-rooted plants, and for regularly attacking weeds. Whip it out for weeding your beautifully planted pots, or use it to make short work of pesky weeds sullying your perfect lawn.

1 Cyclone stainless steel garden trowel, $9.98, I/N: 3360998. 2 Cyclone stainless steel bulb trowel hand tool, $9.98, I/N: 3361000. 3 Cyclone stainless steel fork hand tool, $9.98, I/N: 3360486. 4 Cyclone potting scoop, $12.98, I/N: 0242127. 5 Cyclone ‘ProSeries’ 600mm multi surface broom, $59, I/N: 0065242.

For more potted inspiration, visit northcotepottery.com/advice-inspiration

Hello blossoms

Australia’s biggest celebration of spring is a visual and cultural feast like no other. Welcome to Floriade!

Every year, for one gloriously colourful month, the nation’s capital celebrates the arrival of spring with Floriade, a world-class, flower-filled extravaganza. It’s a time when Canberra sheds its sharply cut suit in favour of a wonderfully loud floral number, filling its parks and gardens with a sea of blooms that forms a stunning backdrop to a month-long, free event celebrating flowers, art, music, food, wine and much more.

A MILLION REASONS TO VISIT

On September 11, the largest flower festival in the southern hemisphere will once again burst into life in Commonwealth Park in the heart of Canberra. And it promises to be spectacularly colourful; Floriade’s gardeners have planted a million bulbs, with a further 300,000 adding splashes of spring colour throughout the city. where visitors can learn about gardens of the future, sustainable food production and upcycled art and fashion.

FLOWERS, FOOD AND FUN

While Floriade is an inspirational nirvana for horticulturists, landscapers and gardeners, it’s about much more than tiptoeing through the tulips – the floral displays are part of a festival filled with entertainment, cultural celebrations and activities for all ages. It is also an opportunity to browse market stalls and meet the food and wine producers behind some of the Canberra region’s best products.

For families, there’s no chance of the kids getting bored, with plenty of activities on offer for little gardeners, including gnome painting, art and craft sessions, and potting up classes. JOIN THE PARTY

There’s some after-dark magic coming to Floriade this year, too, with the return of NightFest, from September 30 to October 3. As the sun goes down, it’s a chance to kick back and soak up the atmosphere under the stars with cutting-edge garden lighting, live music, DJs, comedy acts and night markets.

For tickets and more information, visit floriadeaustralia.com.

FUTURE FOCUS

This year’s Floriade theme, The Future of Flowers, puts the spotlight on sustainability and climate change, with a focus on changing horticultural practices and backyard gardening. The theme will be reflected in the displays and flowerbed designs, as well as guided tours, talks and workshops,

WHILE YOU’RE THERE…

Once you’ve finished marvelling at the beauty of nature, head beyond Floriade’s gates to explore some of Canberra’s top attractions. There’s something for the curious, adventurous, culture-vulture, child or foodie in us all: a thriving food and wine scene, outdoor adventures, museums, galleries, national attractions and a kid’s paradise of activities. Captain your own electric GoBoat on a picnic cruise of Lake Burley Griffin, take the kids on a journey of discovery at Questacon, or tour the many cellar doors a short drive from the city. To choose your own adventure, see visitcanberra.com.au.