Sowing seeds correctly is the first step towards a thriving garden. In this guide, we'll show you how to sow seeds in pots and cell trays for optimal germination and growth. Whether you're using seed trays for mass propagation or individual pots for larger seedlings, these expert tips will help you get the best start.

For Our Favourite Seed Compost Recipe See Here

Our Favourite Pot and Tray Sizes for Seed Sowing

77-Cell Seed Trays:
Paris and I have found that 77-cell seed trays are ideal for mass propagating most of our seedlings. Each cell measures approximately 4 cm wide and 5 cm deep, providing the perfect environment for a variety of plants.

9 cm Pots:
For larger seedlings like sweet peas and nasturtiums, we prefer 9 cm pots. They give the plants enough space to develop strong roots and healthy foliage.

Trays Without Cells:
For broadcast sowing tiny seeds, such as snapdragons and foxgloves, we use trays without cells. This method works well for seeds that don’t require individual compartments.

Creating Space for the Seeds

For Large Seeds

Make a Small Hole: Use a dibber, pencil, or your finger to press a small hole into the compost. This ensures the seed has enough room to settle into the soil.

For Tiny Seeds

Scatter the Seeds: Simply scatter tiny seeds onto the surface of the compost. No hole is needed, as they will naturally settle into the soil.

Sowing Your Seeds Carefully

Limit Seed Count per Cell: Place just one or two seeds per cell. This practice reduces the need for thinning out later and ensures that each seedling has enough space to grow.
Avoid Planting Too Deep: One of the main reasons seeds fail to sprout is that they are buried too deep. A good rule of thumb is to cover seeds with a layer of compost no more than twice their size in depth.

Ensuring Good Contact

For optimal seed germination, seeds need direct contact with the compost:

Tamp the Seeds: Gently press the seeds into the surface using your fingertip or a flat tool. This process, known as tamping, helps ensure that the seeds absorb moisture efficiently.

Light or Darkness for Germination?

Different seeds have different requirements for light:

Seeds Needing Light: Leave these seeds uncovered on the surface of the compost.
Seeds Requiring Darkness: Lightly cover these seeds with compost or vermiculite, or place an empty, upturned tray over them to maintain darkness.

Watering from Below: The Preferred Method

Watering from above can disturb seeds or wash them away. Instead, try watering from below:

Submerge the Tray: Place your seed tray into a shallow tray of water.
Let the Compost Soak: Wait until the compost surface looks damp. This method prevents seeds from being dislodged and ensures even moisture throughout each cell.

See more on watering techniques over at this blog post here

Keywords: how to sow seeds, sow seeds in pots, seed trays, cell trays, seed propagation, seed sowing techniques, seedling propagation, mass propagation, broadcast sowing, watering from below

How to Sow Seeds in Pots and Cell Trays: Tips for Successful Seedling Propagation

Our Favourite Pot and Tray Sizes for Seed Sowing

77-Cell Seed Trays:
Paris and I have found that 77-cell seed trays are ideal for mass propagating most of our seedlings. Each cell measures approximately 4 cm wide and 5 cm deep, providing the perfect environment for a variety of plants.

9 cm Pots:
For larger seedlings like sweet peas and nasturtiums, we prefer 9 cm pots. They give the plants enough space to develop strong roots and healthy foliage.

Trays Without Cells:
For broadcast sowing tiny seeds, such as snapdragons and foxgloves, we use trays without cells. This method works well for seeds that don’t require individual compartments.

Creating Space for the Seeds

For Large Seeds

Make a Small Hole: Use a dibber, pencil, or your finger to press a small hole into the compost. This ensures the seed has enough room to settle into the soil.

For Tiny Seeds

Scatter the Seeds: Simply scatter tiny seeds onto the surface of the compost. No hole is needed, as they will naturally settle into the soil.

Sowing Your Seeds Carefully

Limit Seed Count per Cell: Place just one or two seeds per cell. This practice reduces the need for thinning out later and ensures that each seedling has enough space to grow.

Avoid Planting Too Deep: One of the main reasons seeds fail to sprout is that they are buried too deep. A good rule of thumb is to cover seeds with a layer of compost no more than twice their size in depth.

Ensuring Good Contact

For optimal seed germination, seeds need direct contact with the compost:

Tamp the Seeds: Gently press the seeds into the surface using your fingertip or a flat tool. This process, known as tamping, helps ensure that the seeds absorb moisture efficiently.

Light or Darkness for Germination?

Different seeds have different requirements for light:

Seeds Needing Light: Leave these seeds uncovered on the surface of the compost.

Seeds Requiring Darkness: Lightly cover these seeds with compost or vermiculite, or place an empty, upturned tray over them to maintain darkness.

Watering from Below: The Preferred Method

Watering from above can disturb seeds or wash them away. Instead, try watering from below:

Submerge the Tray: Place your seed tray into a shallow tray of water.

Let the Compost Soak: Wait until the compost surface looks damp. This method prevents seeds from being dislodged and ensures even moisture throughout each cell.

How to Sow Seeds in Pots and Cell Trays: Tips for Successful Seedling Propagation

Our Favourite Pot and Tray Sizes for Seed Sowing

77-Cell Seed Trays:Paris and I have found that 77-cell seed trays are ideal for mass propagating most of our seedlings. Each cell measures approximately 4 cm wide and 5 cm deep, providing the perfect environment for a variety of plants.

9 cm Pots:For larger seedlings like sweet peas and nasturtiums, we prefer 9 cm pots. They give the plants enough space to develop strong roots and healthy foliage.

Trays Without Cells:For broadcast sowing tiny seeds, such as snapdragons and foxgloves, we use trays without cells. This method works well for seeds that don’t require individual compartments.

Creating Space for the Seeds

For Large Seeds

Make a Small Hole: Use a dibber, pencil, or your finger to press a small hole into the compost. This ensures the seed has enough room to settle into the soil.

For Tiny Seeds

Scatter the Seeds: Simply scatter tiny seeds onto the surface of the compost. No hole is needed, as they will naturally settle into the soil.

Sowing Your Seeds Carefully

Limit Seed Count per Cell: Place just one or two seeds per cell. This practice reduces the need for thinning out later and ensures that each seedling has enough space to grow.

Avoid Planting Too Deep: One of the main reasons seeds fail to sprout is that they are buried too deep. A good rule of thumb is to cover seeds with a layer of compost no more than twice their size in depth.

Ensuring Good Contact

For optimal seed germination, seeds need direct contact with the compost:

Tamp the Seeds: Gently press the seeds into the surface using your fingertip or a flat tool. This process, known as tamping, helps ensure that the seeds absorb moisture efficiently.

Light or Darkness for Germination?

Different seeds have different requirements for light:

Seeds Needing Light: Leave these seeds uncovered on the surface of the compost.

Seeds Requiring Darkness: Lightly cover these seeds with compost or vermiculite, or place an empty, upturned tray over them to maintain darkness.

Watering from Below: The Preferred Method

Watering from above can disturb seeds or wash them away. Instead, try watering from below:

Submerge the Tray: Place your seed tray into a shallow tray of water.

Let the Compost Soak: Wait until the compost surface looks damp. This method prevents seeds from being dislodged and ensures even moisture throughout each cell.

Pricking Out Seedlings: An Essential Guide to Transplanting Tiny Seedlings

How to Water Seedlings: Essential Tips for Healthy Seedling Care

77-Cell Seed Trays:
Paris and I have found that 77-cell seed trays are ideal for mass propagating most of our seedlings. Each cell measures approximately 4 cm wide and 5 cm deep, providing the perfect environment for a variety of plants.

9 cm Pots:
For larger seedlings like sweet peas and nasturtiums, we prefer 9 cm pots. They give the plants enough space to develop strong roots and healthy foliage.

Trays Without Cells:
For broadcast sowing tiny seeds, such as snapdragons and foxgloves, we use trays without cells. This method works well for seeds that don’t require individual compartments.