What is the Best Way to Plant Seeds?
Whether you’re new to landscaping and agriculture or a seasoned expert, growing crops from the seed is a great way to begin gardening early in the season. With the correct equipment and conditions, it is easy to grow from seed to harvest across a number of diverse soil types.
Here at Grass Science Seeds, we have worked for over two decades to cultivate a vast range of specially selected seeds. From agriculture to landscaping, we’ve collected some of the best tips and tricks to get the most from your seeds.
Check Your Soil Conditions
Correct precautions should be considered when planting seeds, including the depth and distance between forecasted crops.
However, most importantly, the condition of your soil should be regulated to ensure your seeds grow to their maximum potential. The soil should be clean, healthy, and free from disease.
An easy way to examine the quality of your soil is to hold and squeeze a small amount in your palm. If the soil stays together but crumbles easily, the soil is considered good quality. However, if the lump falls apart immediately or sticks together, the soil quality is low and will require suitable maintenance.
Direct Planting vs Transplanting
Seeds can either be sown directly into the soil or transplanted. Direct seeding refers to manually planting seeds within the crop area, whereas transplanting uses pre-grown seedlings or plants.
Both methods have varying advantages and disadvantages reliant on the type of crop species. As a result, you must investigate the species being grown, considering the plant’s survival rate and time frame for plant growth.
Direct Seeding
Direct seeding is optimised when planting seeds or underground vegetative plant materials.
The process is commonly used when planting cereals such as upland rice, corn, peanuts, and root vegetables such as carrots and radishes.
Transplanting
Transplanting requires the use of pre-grown plants, seedlings, or vegetatively propagated clones for field planting.
Crops which require transplanting include small-seeded vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and perennial crops such as palm oil.
Different Methods for Planting Seeds
There are several alternative methods which can be used when planting a variety of seeds, including broadcasting and the drill method.
Broadcasting
Also known as scatter planting, broadcasting is a method of scattering seeds over well-prepared soil.
As a result, the plants may grow individually or appear in bunches. Broadcasting is usually used for plants which are capable of germination and sustained growth without soil cover.
Drill Method
The drill method is another technique of direct seeding where the seeds are released continuously in a row.
This is usually done with specialised machinery such as a seed drill. By sowing deeper into the soil rather than by hand, the surface of the soil is at less risk of being attacked by seed predators.
Get Perfect Results with Grass Science Seeds
Whether you’re looking to plant a wildflower garden or striving to perfect your lawn, the team at Grass Science Seeds would be thrilled to help you achieve your goals.
If you would like any further advice or specialist knowledge about the best ways to plant your seeds, contactour team today.