Garden Tips: Sowing Tiny Seeds

When the time is ripe for certain things, these things appear in different places in the manner of violets coming to light in the early spring. ~Farkas Bolyai

Today I have some tips on sowing very tiny seeds.

For planting tiny seeds in small peat pots keep a small glass of water and a pencil next to your work area. Simply dampen the end of the pencil then use it to pick up the seed and deposit it in it's pot. This is much better than picking up several on your finger:)

Washing out tiny seeds: Buy the cheapest tissues you can find and separate a couple of the tissues into 2 pieces (they are usually 2 ply). Prepare your container (remember, the salad or deli containers with a clear top work well after washing) by placing in seed starting mix. Carefully lay down one layer of tissue, then place your seeds down as if it was the top of the dirt. Now place the second tissue on top of the seeds, then water. The seeds will stay in place each time you water and there is
no reason to remove the tissue!

Sowing tiny seeds outside: Place your seeds and 3-4 tbsp. of cornmeal into a paper lunch sack. Shake well and sprinkle the mixture over your prepared area. Water carefully with a hose attachment that waters just a little heavier than mist until all is moistened. This helps space the tiny seeds so they don't clump together.

Covering seeds: It's always important to note how deep seeds are suppose to be planted. Some barely need covering. Pick up a strainer at a yard sale or thrift store and keep it handy. When you need a very light covering throw a handful of dirt in the strainer and shake over the seeds.

We have tips for growing Bleeding Hearts on OFL:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/bleedingheart.html