A general seed-sowing method for beginners getting into flower gardening

For flower lovers who are just getting started, a general seed-sowing method is often simpler and more practical. Although the germination rate may be slightly lower, it is still better than messing around and ending up with total failure! This is because the seeds of different flowers are different: some are light-loving and some are not, some prefer cool conditions and some prefer warmth, and so on. But most seed-sowing methods are still universal, and as long as you pay close attention to the condition of the seeds, there will basically not be any major problems.

Before discussing sowing methods, let us first understand the light preference of seeds. Generally speaking, fine seeds are usually light-loving and do not need to be covered with soil, while large seeds are light-shy and must be covered with soil, with the soil covering the seeds; before germination, it is best to place them in a cool, dark place or even to pre-sprout them in advance. (For example, petunia is light-shy, so the plastic film used as a cover can be black film.)

Having understood the light preference of seeds, let us now talk about an important factor that must be considered in sowing: the season. Different flowers and plants have different sowing seasons, generally spring and autumn, and some can only be sown in autumn or spring. Some flower lovers, upon seeing that other people's flowers look beautiful, hurry to buy seeds and sow them. This approach is foolish. Some flowers are afraid of heat, and if they are sown in summer, failure is certain.

Choose loose, breathable soil (generally fine-grained peat, turf or leaf mold) and put it into a flower pot or sowing tray, then water the soil thoroughly and evenly sprinkle the seeds onto the soil surface (you can also bottom-water after sowing).

Note that fine seeds (such as thyme, petunia, cineraria, begonia seeds, etc.) do not need to be covered with soil when sown, but you must pay attention to maintaining soil moisture. Use a fine-spout spray bottle to spray water in a mist to keep it moist; a strong stream of water can easily wash the seeds away or wash them deep into the soil, and fine seeds are not easy to push up through the soil and sprout. Large seeds, however, must be covered with soil to a thickness 2-3 times the size of the seed.

The suitable germination temperature for most seeds is 20-25 degrees. What needs attention is that some seeds can only germinate under low-temperature conditions, such as ranunculus and delphinium. For most herbs and seeds sown in autumn and winter, the temperature should not be higher than 25 degrees; for seeds sown in spring and summer, it should not be lower than 20 degrees. If the temperature cannot be reached, use plastic wrap to raise the temperature, and the plastic wrap also has a moisture-retaining effect. In summer, all seeds should be placed in a cool place, shielded from shade and rain; in winter, attention should be paid to keeping warm and preventing frost. Before seeds germinate, they have not yet grown roots, so water must be supplied artificially to sustain life. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

If plastic wrap is used as a cover, remove it promptly after the seeds germinate, promptly move the flower pot to a place with scattered light so it can receive light, and after the seeds germinate, promptly apply some liquid fertilizer, such as monopotassium phosphate, at a concentration of about 200 times; the concentration should not be too high. After they grow a bit larger, fertilize according to the plant's growth condition.

When the seeds have grown to 2-3 leaves, they can be transplanted; at 5-6 leaves, plant them in their final position promptly. Before final planting, put a little decomposed organic fertilizer (for homemade organic fertilizer, see this) and slow-release granular fertilizer (such as compound fertilizer) in the flower pot.