The Hertfordshire Garden Centre

Seed planting

Early Spring is a great time to kick start your seed planting.

Seed planting

Seed planting is a crucial step in the process of growing plants and crops. Planting seeds in early Spring is an excellent idea to kickstart your food and flower garden for the upcoming growing season. March and April are typically the months when air and soil temperatures start to warm up, making it ideal for sowing seeds.

When selecting seeds to plant for food, consider vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, courgette, beans, and various herbs. These crops thrive in the warmth of late spring and summer and can provide you with a bountiful harvest. With minimal care you can enjoy homegrown produce well into the Autumn.

This is also a great time to start planting seeds for a beautiful flower garden. Depending on your location and the specific flowers you want to grow, this can be a good month to sow seeds indoors or directly in the garden. Some popular flowers to plant now include marigolds, sweet peas, cosmos, and sunflowers.

How to plant

The first step in seed planting is choosing the right type of soil. The soil should be well-draining, rich in nutrients, and free from any contaminants that may hinder the growth of the seed. We would recommend Gro-Sure Seed and Cutting Compost from Westland (https://www.gardenhealth.com/gro-sure-seed-cutting-compost).

Once the soil is prepared, the next step is to determine the right depth for planting the seed. All the seeds we sell at The Hertfordshire Garden Centre have full planting instructions on the packet. Water the seeds gently and consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. As the seeds germinate and grow, monitor their progress regularly, and protect them from pests and extreme weather conditions.

The seed also needs to be kept at the right temperature and in a suitable environment. This may involve providing lots of sun or some shade, using mulch, or using a greenhouse to regulate temperature and protect the seed from harsh weather conditions. Small propagators can be a useful addition.

Further care

As the seeds germinate adequate sunlight and plenty of water is provided. Once established, and the risk of frost has gone, you can transplant them into your garden or containers. With proper care and attention, you can look forward to a colourful and vibrant flower garden or a bumper crop of vegetables in the coming months.