The Urban Permaculture Farm Magazine

Seeds are little marvels.  If someone needs proof of miracles, have them plant a tiny carrot seed and then harvest a fat carrot six weeks later.  Or sow a gritty morning glory seed and watch throughout the season as it rambles over a chain link fence producing a neon electric color display.  Or let them plant a typical looking sunflower seed and then crane their neck to look at a plate-sized flower head over 10’ tall.  The potential locked inside these tiny treasure chests is awe-inspiring and humbling.  Mankind is dependent upon seeds for food, fuel, pharmaceuticals, and commerce.  As we approach spring, gardeners in particular begin to buy seeds by the thousands.  With preparation, skill, and a little luck those seeds will become millions of flowers and fruits later in the year. 

There are a few general rules to follow:

Buy fresh seed from a reliable source – Some plants will grow from old seed but fresh seed is usually more viable and vigorous.  Use either seed harvested from last year’s garden or purchased with this year’s date stamped on the packet. Use a loose, well-drained soil – This can be bought or made with amendments.  A loose soil allows the first roots and shoots to easily sprout. Sow seeds in moist soil mix – Seeds in wet soil have lower germination rates and higher instances of disease. Supply bright light – Not all seeds need light to germinate, but after sprouting most seedlings require bright light for best development. Develop an ability to ruthlessly thin seedlings – This is a tough one for me.  Fresh seed usually sprouts in overabundance.  Without thinning they will all struggle for their share of space and nutrients.  Typically the seed packet will detail thinning and appropriate spacing.    

Sowing seeds is a fun family activity. It’s quality time together in the sunshine and fresh air.  The kids will learn invaluable life lessons.  Plus, they have fresh tendons and springy muscles made for stooping and bending.   Germinating seeds teaches kids responsibility, cause/effect, observation, measuring, and weather patterns.  Make a simple chart that includes seed variety, planting date, watering schedule, weather report (if planted outdoors), germination date, height, number of true leaves, etc.  Help the children process this data to decide how to thin. With assistance, they can develop a system (height, number of leaves, color) and determine which seedlings to transplant in the garden.    Sowing seeds is one of the most fundamental and rewarding tasks in gardening.  The journey from inanimate speck of debris to vibrant flora is incredible process even for the most grizzled veterans.  So get outside and plant some miracles.