FIVE BASIC METHODS OF SOWING
I advocate five methods of sowing with each being suitable for creating an organic garden. No single method is better than the other, but more dependent on the size of the garden, soil type and time constraints. Sometimes it is good practice to employ more than one method and this is dependent on the time of the year and the intended crops to be planted.
The five sowing methods are
Method One: Indirect Sowing
Method Two: Direct Sowing
Method Three: Broadcast Sowing
Method Four: Sowing By Row
Method Five: Sowing In Small holes
Indirect sowing: This sowing method is more labour-intensive than others, but offers a great deal of protection for seeds. If temperatures suddenly drop, seeds will not germinate and will eventually rot or fall prey to garden wildlife. This method avoids this scenario and once seeds become seedlings they are easily transferred to larger pots or to a specific area of the garden. The use of a seedbed to create a seed nursery is a good method of indirect sowing. This method provides extra protection for the seeds and consists of growing seedlings in temporary containers or small pots in enclosed spaces where temperature, moisture and light are controlled. There are also no set rules and seedbeds can come in all shapes and sizes and can include small boxes or pots. A seedbed should receive natural sunlight and can be cultivated in an enclosed space or in a greenhouse. Heating a seedbed is simple and inexpensive and a good heating mat is usually ample for this task. The protected seedlings spend the first weeks of life in this environment before transfer after they have sufficiently developed. The process of transfer, however, does harm some seedlings and a small percentage of plants are usually lost. This method also allows for all types of seeds to be cultivated at any time of the year. Replanting seedlings allows the gardener the benefit of controlling weeds and planning more easily to optimise space in the garden.
Direct sowing: This sowing method is generally less labour-intensive than other sowing methods and advocates that seeds are planted directly into the ground. Planting seeds directly into the soil eliminates the need for transplanting seedlings offering the gardener many advantages. Plants that grow using this sowing method generally establish strong root systems from an early stage, leading to stronger growth and overall health. Direct sowing also reduces the risk of transplant shock and ensures that plants are well-suited to their growing environment. Seeds however could become exposed to the elements and garden wildlife. To successfully implement direct sowing, it is important to prepare the soil properly. All debris, such as stones and weeds, that may hinder seed germination should be removed before any sowing, and gardeners should incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure into the soil to provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
Broadcast sowing: This sowing method is suitable for crops that have small plants and do not require great distances between each other. Suited for larger areas, this sowing method consists of widely scattering seeds directly over the soil, allowing them to germinate and grow naturally. This technique is commonly used for sowing cover crops or densely planting certain types of vegetables. This sowing method is also a cost-effective way to establish a lush and diverse garden, as it requires minimal equipment and labour. Uniform seed coverage throughout the planting area should be achieved, and once the seeds are evenly spread over the ground, the soil should be worked with a rake, covering the seeds with earth. This sowing method can also help improve soil structure, suppress weeds, and attract beneficial insects. This sowing method is ideal for planting a diverse mix of cover crops such as clover, buckwheat, and vetch, which are ideal for enriching soils with nitrogen, which in turn enhances water retention and provides a favourable habitat for pollinators.
Sowing by row: This method should be used for crops that require a certain distance between each other. In most cases, it is good practice to sow seeds along straight rows. This requires a little planning, which takes a little more time, but this will be amply rewarded in the end. This method will also allow you to easily spot weeds that can be effectively removed as you go. If you choose the right distance between the rows and take care of the orientation of the rows, the plants will have space and light to develop well. String can be used to guide the hoe to create nice straight rows.
Sowing in small holes: This method is preferred for crops that tend to spread across the ground, such as pumpkins, courgettes, melons, and watermelons. This sowing method involves placing two or three seeds in holes equidistant from each other and then covering them with soil. These types of crops need space so ample room for these plants to spread should be provided.
