Pre-Sowing: How Does It Work?

The name itself reveals the essence: pre-sowing enables you to gain an advantage in cultivating your crops. Since pre-sowing takes place indoors, typically on the windowsill of a sunlit window, you can start planting earlier in the year. This often results in healthier plants and an earlier harvest. However, pre-sowing is more nuanced than it may seem, and not all plants are suitable for this method. For certain plants, especially considering the British climate, pre-sowing becomes a necessity.

The Advantages Of Pre-Sowing 

Traditionally, seeds are sown directly where they are intended to grow. With pre-sowing, however, you first allow the plants to germinate indoors in a seed starter set or propagator. Once the plants attain sufficient strength and the weather proves mild, you can transplant them into the garden or outdoor vegetable planter. The advantage lies in the plants being more robust when moved outside, leading to more aesthetically pleasing growth. Another perk of pre-sowing is the ability to expedite your cultivation timeline.

Occasionally, pre-sowing is imperative. Due to the UK’s climate, certain plants necessitate pre-sowing. The cultivation duration for crops like celeriac extends to approximately 8 months, surpassing the length of the British summer. Without pre-sowing, harvesting before the summer’s end becomes unattainable. Ripening duration is also a factor; fruits such as peppers or bell peppers require sunlight to ripen and acquire a delectable flavour. Consequently, these plants need to be ready to produce fruits by early summer, allowing about three months for ripening in sunlight. Lastly, an often underestimated benefit: pre-sowing serves as a deterrent against birds consuming seeds before germination.

3 Tips for Successfull Pre-Sowing 

• Choose compost suitable for growing seeds. Seeds and cuttings need less rich compost than seedlings. Our Moorland Gold Seed & Cutting compost is a fantastic soil to use and Soil Association approved for organic gardening.
• Opt for a south-facing window for optimal sunlight exposure. However, be cautious of intense spring sunlight, as it can rapidly generate excessive heat behind glass. On pleasant spring days, it’s advisable to temporarily relocate your plants to a cooler spot or shield them with cardboard or newspaper.
• Avoid sowing seeds too closely or too deeply. One centimeter is generally sufficient for small seeds, while a depth of three times the seed diameter usually proves effective.
• Ensure adequate moisture but steer clear of overwatering. Utilise a plant mister for watering until the plant has sprouted. Subsequently, water the plant from the bottom to encourage root growth. Nutrition is essential, but the same principle applies: moderation is key.