Embracing Spring: The Art of Sowing and Planting
As spring unfolds, it heralds the perfect time for sowing and planting, or as some might say, “establishing” new plants. The hallmark of good establishment is when these fledgling plants become sturdy and begin to grow, a success that hinges on adequate warmth and light. During this season, light levels gradually increase, and by April, when established plants begin to thrive, there is an abundance of light available.
However, if weeds start to invade or if sowing or planting is done too densely, with inadequate space between plants, competition for light can lead to weak, elongated, or “drawn” plants that struggle to grow. It is essential to strike a balance in planting density.
For optimal growth, it is crucial to adhere to spacing recommendations typically found on seed packets. For perennials and shrubs, a general guideline is to plant them no closer than half the height they will eventually reach as indicated on their labels. When in doubt, it is advisable to plant slightly more widely to ensure each plant has enough room to flourish.
It is also important to remember that not every seed will germinate. To account for expected losses, it’s wise to sow extra seeds. If more plants than anticipated successfully establish themselves, they can always be thinned out later. A common practice is to sow enough seeds for three times the desired quantity in March, tapering down to 10 percent extra by late May, when the weather becomes more favorable.
Alternatively, consider sowing additional seeds at the ends of rows for seedlings that can be lifted and transplanted into any gaps that may appear. While carrots and parsnips typically do not fare well when transplanted, most other garden plants, such as lettuce and beetroot, can thrive if moved with care.
With the soil remaining moist from winter rains, watering is usually unnecessary unless cold, easterly winds dry it out. In such cases, shallow-sown seeds and newly planted evergreens will benefit from a little watering. If the soil is overly wet for sowing or planting, it is best to wait for drier conditions, as seedlings will eventually catch up in growth. Clay soils, known for their slow drainage, may not dry out until mid-April, making it more effective to raise transplants in cell trays or pots rather than sowing directly into such soil.
The seeds of hardy plants typically germinate when temperatures reach around 6-7°C. Determining when this critical temperature is achieved can be tricky. A helpful indicator is the emergence of weed seedlings, signaling that conditions are right for sowing hardy seeds.
Many gardeners are eager to start sowing and planting early, accepting the risks involved for several good reasons. Early blooms and vegetables can be enjoyed sooner, and plants that thrive in spring will be more robust by autumn, better equipped to withstand the coming winter. Additionally, a longer growing season can significantly boost the yields of crops like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes.
If early sowings do not succeed, there’s no need for despair; simply resow. Open-pollinated or non-hybrid seeds are relatively inexpensive, making them appealing to novice growers. Resowing with budget-friendly seeds is far less disheartening than the thought of losing more costly hybrid varieties.
For those looking for a simpler option, planting sets, tubers, or rootstocks can serve as an effective alternative to seeds. Once the soil is dry and warm enough—typically March for onion and shallot sets, and April for less hardy tubers like dahlias and potatoes—these can be planted for reliable results.
Growing seedlings indoors, whether on window sills or within greenhouses, provides gardeners with greater control over the growing environment. This practice is especially crucial for small-seeded tender plants, such as tomatoes and pelargoniums, and allows for the most efficient use of more expensive seeds. Generally, it takes about six weeks to raise a transplant from most seeds until it is ready for planting outdoors. However, larger-seeded plants like courgettes or sunflowers grow faster, while dust-like seeds such as begonias and nicotiana require a longer period to germinate.
Finding adequate space to accommodate transplants for six weeks, particularly in frost-free conditions, can be a challenge. Nevertheless, gardeners often demonstrate incredible ingenuity in creating space, whether by constructing low fleece tunnels outdoors or investing in, or improvising, cloches and cold frames. These tools can prove invaluable in nurturing new plants.
