Oh Sow Simple | Let's Get You Started

Welcome Aboard, Lets Get Started!

We can’t wait to grow along with you with your Oh Sow Simple seeds! As the name suggests, sowing from seeds doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact it is an excellent way to economically grow seedlings for your garden, not to mention it is rewarding and fun too. In this blog you will learn all about getting started with your new seeds to set you up for success. First things first, lets talk about propagation materials to ensure your seedlings grow happy and strong!

Propagation Materials

Choose high quality propagation products to sow your seeds into. We love the Oh Sow Simple Coco Fibre propagation range. Not only is Coco Fibre a sustainable alternative to single use plastic pots, they also allow unrestricted root growth - eliminating the risk of transplant shock. Transplanting seedlings from plastic pots and containers can damage delicate root systems and lead to moisture loss, stunting their growth. The Oh Sow Simple Coco Fibre Propagation range is biodegradable which means you can plant your seedlings pot and all into the garden!

The range includes the following products to help you get started:

Coco Fibre Block - This biodegradable, coconut fibre block has been designed for successful propagation of seeds or as a growing medium for many plants. The coco fibre retains the right amount of water, providing an ideal environment for raising seeds. It can also be added to existing soil to improve aeration and moisture retention. Simply hydrate and fill your biodegradable Coco Fibre Pots with this quality medium.
6cm Coco Fibre Pots - These biodegradable coconut fibre pots have been designed for successful propagation of seeds and cuttings. We particularly love this size for sowing herb and flower seeds before transplanting out into the garden.

12 Cell Greenhouse - This compact greenhouse provides the ideal environment for seeds and cuttings. The 12 cell drip tray ensures mess free maintenance, self-watering your plants when required. The lid allows the light to filter through to your plants, while also helping to retain moisture and warmth. This is the perfect choice for those seeds that love warm soil to germinate - think chillies, eggplant, tomato & zucchini.
Coco Fibre Pellet Refill - These biodegradable, coconut fibre pellets have been designed for successful propagation of seeds and fit perfectly into the 12 Cell Greenhouse.

Sowing into Coco Fibre pots and pellets gives you a headstart on the main growing season as you can grow strong and healthy seedlings that are ready to plant out into the garden as soon as the risk of frost has passed. Make sure you sow any root crops directly outdoors though such as carrots and radish to ensure their roots develop properly.

What Should I Use?

What products you use to start your seeds depends only on you. If you have less space and want to experience using a greenhouse and are preferable to no mess, the pellets and greenhouse may be better suited to your needs, especially if you are sowing smaller seeds. The greenhouse may be more begginer friednly as you are able to control the elements more than a pot in the ground exposed in the outdoors. However if you are sowing larger seeds or you want to plant directly into your garden bed you may want to consider pairing your seeds with the coco fibre block and coco fibre pots.

What Else Do I Need?

It’s quite straightforward, grab some gloves to protect your hands and a spray bottle or watering can. Spray bottles are a good choice when starting out to avoid flooding the seeds as a strong jet of water can easily dislodge seeds or wash them away. A small trowel is also useful to fill your pots with Coco Fibre or if sowing directly for making rows in the soil.

How To Sow

Now that you have gathered your propagation materials, have a read of the back of your seed packet for important sowing and growing information including sowing times for your region highlighted in our climate guide. It is important to take note of your own garden, as microclimates are specific and can vary - for example you may find areas of your yard are more exposed and prone to frosts which could damage your spring and summer seedlings if planted out too early.

On the right hand panel you will find important information in the icons:

Sow depth - This is how deeply to bury your seeds. If seeds are buried too shallow or too deeply they may germinate sporadically or not at all.
Plant spacing - Your plants will need the correct space to mature and grow. This is important once we transplant seedlings into the soil. For root crops that are sown directly into the soil they are ‘’thinned out’’ to this spacing.
Germination time - This provides you a guide on when to expect seedlings to emerge. Note that this can vary even with the same crop, as conditions such as soil temperature will affect how long they take to sprout.
Plant height - This can be useful when planning your garden, placing taller varieties at the back where they won’t shade out smaller plants. Some varieties such as tomatoes and cucumbers trail, and will need a trellis or stake to support their stems.
Sunlight - This guides you on where to place your seedlings for best results. For full sun this is usually a minimum of 6-8 hrs of direct sunlight a day. If sun is an issue in your garden, sowing into buckets or movable containers may be your best option so you can move them around the garden.

Be sure to follow along with us for more tips and tricks along the way when sowing your Oh Sow Simple seeds. We can’t wait to see what you grow!

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