How to sow seeds

Sowing seeds in the ground

1. Clear the space, using a hand fork or trowel to remove any unwanted plants.
2. Use the hand fork or trowel to break up the soil to a crumbly texture.
3. Empty seeds into a saucer to make them easier to handle.  
4. Sow your seeds in the soil at the depth shown on your seed packet.
5. Cover seeds with soil.
6. Water carefully after sowing.
7. Remember to label the space where your seeds have been sown – the label should include what you have sown, and the date of sowing. 
    

Sowing seeds in a container

1. Put the container where your plants are to grow – ideally a sunny spot.
2. Fill the container with peat-free compost to just below the rim.  
3. Water the compost (this is so that watering doesn’t move the seeds once sown).
4. Empty seeds into a saucer to make them easier to handle.
5. Sow your seeds in the soil at the depth shown on your seed packet.
6. Cover seeds with compost.  
7. Remember to label your container – the label should include what you have sown, and the date of sowing. 

Extension opportunity

• the downloadable Widgit resources can support learners to sow their seeds – why not cut up the instructions and ask learners to arrange them in the correct order? They can also match the instruction to the image, or even write their own instructions
• at regular time intervals, ask learners to observe the area where the seeds have been sown - can learners keep a plant diary of what they observe over time?  

Reflection

Discuss with learners what their seeds need to grow. How will they know if their plants have everything they need? How will they look after them? (Plants need sunlight, water, nutrients and space. Learners can look after their plants by ensuring they have adequate light, watering regularly and thinning out seedlings as they grow to reduce competition for space.) 

This activity has been adapted from RHS Campaign for School Gardening