Seeds are a wonder, but their germination and care should not be a mystery. We sow all of our perennial seeds outdoors according to the natural rhythms of the season. This is admittedly slower up front, but it creates stronger plants in the long run and allows us to propagate large quantities of plants without the use of fossil fuels, chemicals, or pesticides. We call that a win.
Growing outdoors takes a leap of faith. If you can take the leap, it yields excellent results: stronger plants, less load on the environment, and less work from the gardener. Oh, and no special equipment required!
We hope others will be willing to take the leap. To better assist, we created a step-by-step guide demystifying the process of sowing and growing seed outdoors.
STEP ONE · GATHER
You will need:
1. Seeds
2. High quality seed-starting mix
3. Seed trays, well-drained open containers, or weed-free space outdoors
4. Plant markers (matte plastic holds up best to months outdoors)
5. A weather-proof pen. These work really well (this is not a paid link, just a recommendation based on much trial and error).
6. Vermiculite, optional but nice for seed trays.
STEP TWO · PREPARE
We prefer to sow outdoors in open soil beds or in seed trays in our shaded, unheated greenhouse. How ever you sow, make sure your soil is weed free and moist before you begin.
STEP THREE · PREPARE
We really can't emphasize this step enough. Especially if sowing outdoors, make sure your soil is free of weeds and weed seed before sowing any new seed. If you have the time, you may want to allow weed seeds to germinate, solarize (cover with black or clear plastic to cook off the weeds), then repeat one or two more times to be absolutely certain.
Option A · Containers
STEP FOUR · FILL
Fill your prepared seed trays (or other well-drained container) with soil. Please make sure soil is moist before proceeding.
STEP FIVE · SOW
Sow seeds thinly into the prepared seed trays. If using cell trays, match the seed size to the cell size. This becomes obvious with time, but for those just starting out, the basic principle is to match small seeds/plants with small cells and large seeds/plants with large cells. 72-cell trays are a common choice that can accommodate a wide variety of plants.
Make sure to label as you go. Take the time time cut down labels so they fit neatly into the cell tray. Large labels easily fall out of small cells.
It is always a good idea to keep a seed journal. Labels can disappear and a seed journal can be a lifesaver. It is also helpful to review notes year after year.
STEP SIX · COVER
Most* seeds prefer to be lightly covered. You can use vermiculite (our preference) or your seed starting mix. Very small seeds should not be covered. Other seeds need light to germinate.
*Check the seed packet or plant page for recommendations.
STEP SEVEN · WATER
Until plants germinate, water your seed trays by soaking them in a pan of water. Once completely saturated, remove the tray and allow to drain thoroughly. It is best not to water from the top with a hose or watering can. The spray can easily wash delicate seeds away.
STEP EIGHT · WAIT
Place your seed trays outdoors in a sheltered position out of direct sunlight and pouring rain. Check them regularly and never allow them to dry out. Your seedlings should emerge within a few weeks to months, depending on when and what you sow.
Option B · Open Seed Beds
STEP FOUR · RAKE
Now that your seed beds are weed free and moist give them one final rake to level and smooth the soil.
STEP FIVE · ROW
Lay a board across your seed bed. Then run your hand (or a trowel) along the length of the board to create a shallow trench.
STEP SIX · SOW
Thinly sow your seed into the shallow trench you just created. Exact spacing will depend on the size of the seed, but keep in mind that too much spacing is better than too little.
STEP SEVEN · COVER
Run your fingers along the sides of the trench to gently cover the seeds with the soil.
STEP EIGHT · WATER
Keep seeds moist while waiting for germination.
If sowing in winter, try to keep seed beds covered with snow. It provides the perfect amount of moisture and insulation over winter.
STEP NINE · WAIT
Now just sit back and wait. Your seedlings should emerge within a few weeks to months, depending on what and when you sow. Don't forget to weed while you wait.
Hooray! Your plants have germinated! Now what?
STEP ONE · WAIT
Admire your new seedlings, but do not prick them out until they have developed their second set of true leaves. Once new leaves are well established, you can think about potting on.
STEP TWO · POT ON
If growing in seed trays, gently prick out the seedlings and pot them on to individual pots after they have developed their second set of true leaves. When pricking out, it is always best to grab seedlings by one of their true leaves NOT by their stems.
If growing in seed beds, sit back and relax. Plants can grow for a good, long time in a seed bed.
STEP THREE · WAIT
Continue to water and monitor your new plants while they grow.
STEP FOUR · PLANT
Your plants are now old enough to plant into the garden! Treat them as you would any other plant at this point. Refer to our plant care page for detailed planting instructions.
TIPS
Don't forget to weed.
Perennials seeds can take a long time to germinate and grow to size. Weeds are a persistent difficulty when growing outdoors. They will pop up in your seed trays and in your seed beds and can quickly outcompete slower growing perennial seedlings. We love this tool from Sneeboer (not a paid link! Just a recommendation after much trial and error). It allows us to safely plucking weeds out of our seed trays without disturbing seedlings.
Not sure how to differentiate seedlings from weeds?
Here's where those straight lines in the seed bed come in handy!
Still not sure? Check the plant page. We are slowly creating a seedling image library to make the process either.
FAQs
It's spring and my seeds haven't germinated. Why did they fail?
Don't worry yet! Some seeds take a long time (sometime years!) to emerge; others germinate erratically. Check the individual plant page to learn what to expect.
Do you recommend the milk jug method?
The goal of sowing outdoors is to follow the seasons. You need to use open containers to do this properly. Milk jugs can reach temperatures over 100°F even on a winter day. This method may be popular, but we do not recommend it. Rather, if sowing in winter, try to keep seed trays covered with snow. It provides the perfect amount of moisture and insulation through winter.
What about hardening off?
Seedlings grown outdoors are already hardened off!
Why don't you provide instructions for growing indoors?
There are so many reasons not grow indoors. Growing indoors requires special equipment (racks, grow lights, heat mats, fans); it burns extra fossil fuels (even if you're growing in your home, you will still be using extra electricity). Additionally, plants grown indoors are often plagued by fungal diseases like damping off. Finally, plants started indoors may have a hard time making the transition to life outdoors.
