Growing From Seed
1. Soil Preparation
- Dig over your soil to the depth of your spade, removing weeds and debris as you go.
- Improve the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
- Make a furrow about 15cm deep, sprinkle a little fertiliser into the base, then refill soil to almost the original level. Firm down and water well.
2. Sowing
- The ideal sowing depth is about twice the diameter of the seed.
- Sow seed along your furrow at the desired/recommended spacing.
- Cover over your seeds with fine soil or seed raising mix.
3. Care
- Keep soil moist until seeds start to germinate.
- Thin out newly emerged seedlings at the two-leaf stage to prevent over crowding, leaving the strongest plants to mature.
- Apply a liquid fertiliser at regular intervals (starting with a half dose on young plants) to encourage strong and vigorous growth.
Tips
- Always choose a sunny position for your garden bed.
- Smaller seeds can be grown in Jiffy pots or propagator trays, transferring them to the garden bed when easy to handle.
- Seeds will not germinate unless soil temperature is adequate for that variety.
- Always consult your seed packet for specific growing requirements.