Home > Projects >

How to sow large seed

You will need: Seeds, Compost, Cell tray, Dibber, Label, Propagation case, Watering can

The keys to success when sowing any seeds are reading the instructions on the pack, using good quality, fresh, sterile compost and providing the right conditions for germination. Many plants with large seeds, like melons and cucumbers, dislike being disturbed once they are growing. Cell packs allow the seedling room to grow and mean the young plant can be moved without root disturbance.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

Fill a cell tray with fresh, sterile compost and make a hole in each cell with a dibber.

Step 2

Place a seed in each hole.

Step 3

Tap the sides of the tray with the flat of your hand to knock compost back over the seeds. Label with the variety and date of sowing. Water using a fine spray and allow to drain.

Step 4

Place the tray inside a propagation case. This traps heat and moisture inside, stops draughts affecting the tray and allows you to shade the seedlings from bright sun by putting a layer of horticultural fleece or newspaper over the top without it touching the plants.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

How to Make a Christmas Wreath: A Step by Step Guide

Why Poinsettias Mean Christmas: The Festive Flower's Surprising History and Symbolism

Essential Gardening Jobs for Early Winter

Essential Gardening Jobs for Late Autumn

Gardening Projects for January

---

How to pH Test Soil

How to: Maintenance Pruning

How to Protect Containers

How to Make a Bird Feeder

Latest Gardening Videos

---

When and how should I prune a jostaberry?

How should I overwinter a potted Canna lily?

How can I stop my roses suffering from wind-rock?

Moving House and Taking the Garden with You | Garden Ideas | Val Bradley

Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons

Why are there brown / black marks on my Hellebores?

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Villa d'Este Gardens
Tivoli, Italy

RHS Garden, Wisley
Woking, United Kingdom

RHS Harlow Carr
Harrogate, United Kingdom

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Tokyo, Japan

Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden
Saint Petersburg, Russia

Majorelle Garden
Marrakesh, Morocco