Damon Mcknight
Growing vegetables from seeds is a rewarding hobby for many Australians. It is a cost-effective way to produce healthy plants for your garden and gives you access to a broader variety of plants than those generally available as seedlings in nurseries. Popular vegetables that are great for beginners include tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, beans, and corn. Seeds are cheaper than seedlings and can be easily grown in egg cartons, toilet rolls, or newspaper pots. They can be sown directly into the garden bed or into seed trays, depending on the type of vegetable. It's important to follow the instructions on the seed packet and to be mindful of the temperature and water requirements for germination. With the right care, you can successfully grow your own vegetables from seeds and enjoy the satisfaction of picking your very own produce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Cheaper than seedlings, environmentally friendly, greater choice, broader variety, easily supplied by post, cost-effective |
| Disadvantages | Require more attention than established vegetables, susceptible to snails, slugs, birds, and fungal diseases |
| Best vegetables for beginners | Tomatoes, cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, beans, corn, peas, melons |
| Seed sources | Nurseries, seed companies, your own garden |
| Seed types | Organic, heirloom, non-hybrid, heritage/heirloom, open-pollinated |
| Planting methods | Direct sowing, indirect sowing, biodegradable pots, seed trays |
| Environmental conditions | Warm, sheltered spot away from frost, night temperatures above 15°C for summer plants, below 15°C for winter plants |
| Watering instructions | Keep soil moist but not wet, use a fine rose on the watering can or a spray bottle, avoid overwatering |
| Soil preparation | Dig in a 5 cm layer of well-rotted manure or compost |
| Seed spacing | Planting depth should be twice the width of the seed, larger seeds can be spaced out |
| Seed preservation | Store in labelled paper bags in a dark, dry, cool place |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing seeds: Source and variety
When choosing seeds, you have the option to select from a wide variety of sources and varieties. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
Source of Seeds
You can obtain seeds from various sources, including local nurseries, online seed companies, and mail-order seed companies. When ordering seeds online, it is essential to consider the provenance or original source of the seeds. For example, if you are purchasing seeds from a company in Queensland, those seeds may be well-suited to that specific environment. Additionally, there are quarantine restrictions on seeds coming into Australia from overseas, so be sure to comply with the relevant regulations.
Variety of Seeds
Seeds come in a diverse range of varieties, including heritage/heirloom, organic, and hybrid seeds. If you are interested in growing rare or unusual vegetables, you will likely need to start from seed, as commercial growers tend to focus on more familiar options. Organic and heirloom seeds can often be saved from your own mature plants for future sowings, providing a cost-effective and sustainable option. However, it is important to note that seeds from hybrid plants may not breed true or may fail to grow at all.
Seed Size and Type
Seeds come in various sizes, from very fine to larger seeds. The size of the seed can impact the planting depth and spacing, with a general rule being to plant at twice the width of the seed. Larger seeds, such as those of pumpkins, sweet corn, melons, and beans, can be sown directly into their final position in the garden, making them ideal for beginners and children. On the other hand, smaller seeds can be more fiddly and may require more careful handling to ensure proper germination.
Seed Instructions and Care
When choosing seeds, be sure to read the instructions on the packet carefully. These instructions will provide valuable information on sowing methods, germination requirements, and care guidelines. Some seeds have specific temperature requirements for successful germination, so pay close attention to night temperatures and consider using a heat bed or indoor propagation for more precise control. Additionally, be mindful of the sun exposure your seeds require, especially during the tender new growth stage, as intense summer sun can burn young plants.
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Germination: Timing and temperature
Germination is the process of a plant seed developing into a seedling. The timing and temperature of germination are critical to the success of growing vegetables from seeds.
Timing is important when growing vegetables from seeds. Refer to the instructions on the seed packet to determine the best time of year to sow. Some seeds, such as those of legumes (peas and beans) and root vegetables, should be sown directly where they are to grow, as they do not transplant well. For these seeds, prepare the soil by digging in a 5cm layer of well-rotted manure or compost and sow 2-3 seeds in each hole. Beans, for example, can be sown directly and spaced out easily, and they germinate easily. Other seeds, such as those of pumpkins, sweet corn, melons, and peas, can be sown directly into their final position in the garden, which is especially good for children as they are less fiddly.
Temperature plays a crucial role in germination. Seeds of summer plants require night temperatures above 15°C to germinate successfully. A heat bed or a warm indoor position can be used to provide the necessary warmth for germination. On the other hand, winter vegetable seeds need night temperatures below 15°C to germinate, so take advantage of any brief cold snaps during prolonged summers. Once germination has begun, a slight increase in temperature will not harm the plant's growth. It is important to note that the soil should be kept moist but not wet during the germination period, which typically occurs between 7 and 21 days after sowing.
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Transplanting: Direct sowing vs seed trays
Transplanting vegetables from seed trays or through direct sowing can be done in several ways. Direct sowing is the process of planting seeds straight into the garden bed. This is usually done for larger seeds or very fine seeds that do not like to be disturbed, such as carrots or onions. Beans and peas are also good candidates for direct sowing, as they are large, easy to space out, and germinate easily.
Seed trays, on the other hand, offer more control over heat and water requirements for germination. This method is advantageous for seeds that are more delicate and require specific conditions to germinate. By using seed trays, you can ensure that the seeds receive the necessary care without the risk of disturbance from birds, snails, or slugs, which can be an issue with direct sowing.
One challenge with direct sowing is the potential for root disturbance. When seeds are sown directly into the garden soil, their roots can become disturbed, impacting their growth. This is less of an issue with seed trays, as the roots are contained and can be transplanted without disturbing them. However, it is important to note that some seeds, such as legumes and root vegetables, do not transplant well and should be sown directly.
To overcome the issue of root disturbance, biodegradable pots, such as toilet roll inserts, egg cartons, or envelopes, can be used. Individual seeds are sown in these pots, and once the seedlings are strong enough, the pots are soaked in water before being planted in the garden. This method allows for more successful transplantation by avoiding root disturbance, which is a common reason for seedling failure.
Both direct sowing and seed trays have their advantages and disadvantages. Direct sowing is simpler and more cost-effective, while seed trays offer more control over the germination process and can help reduce root disturbance. Ultimately, the decision between direct sowing and seed trays depends on the specific seeds being planted, the environmental conditions, and the gardener's preferences.
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Caring for seedlings: Watering and protection
Watering seedlings correctly is crucial for their growth. It is important to water seedlings with a light stream of water and avoid pouring water directly on top of them. Instead, it is recommended to water from the bottom by filling the bottom of the tray with water, encouraging deep rooting. This method ensures that the seedlings receive enough water, and it is best to keep the trays half-full.
To prevent water stress, it is essential to maintain consistent moisture in the soil. The soil should be moist but not soggy, and it should not be allowed to dry out more than 3 inches below the surface. This is particularly crucial during the flowering and fruiting stages.
Overcrowding can lead to issues, so thinning your seedlings is important. To thin the seedlings, carefully select the smaller or less vigorous plants and cut them at the base, leaving more space for the larger plants to grow. Consistent light and temperature are also vital for healthy seedlings. A warm, sheltered spot, away from frost, is ideal. This could be on a veranda, a sunny windowsill, or under a cold frame or plastic cover.
To protect your seedlings, it is essential to keep them in a secure location, away from potential pests such as insects, snails, and slugs, which can wipe out a crop of seedlings overnight. Iron-based snail bait can be sprinkled around your seedlings to deter snails and slugs. Additionally, ensure your seedlings are not disturbed by strong water streams or harsh fertiliser.
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Saving seeds: Storage and legality
Saving seeds from your garden is a great way to save money and preserve a greater range of genetic diversity in your vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers, beans, and peas are good choices for seed saving, as they have self-pollinating flowers and require little to no special treatment before storage.
When saving seeds, it is important to select seeds from the healthiest and most productive plants. Avoid saving seeds from weak or off-type plants, as they are likely to produce seeds with less desirable traits. After collecting the seeds, spread them out on a paper towel and allow them to dry completely. Properly labelling the seeds with their name, variety, and collection date is also important for future reference.
Once the seeds are dry, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place until the next planting season. Seeds can remain viable for several years if stored correctly, but their germination rate decreases with age. Aim to use saved seeds within one year for the best results.
In terms of legality, there do not appear to be any specific laws or restrictions on saving and storing vegetable seeds in Australia. However, it is important to be mindful of potential plant diseases, such as bacterial canker, which can be transmitted through infected seeds. Purchasing seeds from reputable suppliers can help reduce the risk of introducing diseases into your garden.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular and easiest vegetables to grow from seeds are tomatoes, cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, beans and corn. These vegetables are great for beginners.
You can grow seeds in egg cartons, toilet rolls, or newspaper pots. Seeds need to be placed in a warm, sheltered spot away from frost. It is also important to not disturb the seeds with watering, so use a very fine rose on your watering can or a spray bottle.
There are many advantages to growing vegetables from seeds. Seeds are much cheaper than seedlings and will last a couple of years if stored correctly. Seeds are also better for the environment as they are light and easy to transport, whereas seedlings use a lot of plastic and water. Growing from seeds also allows you to access a much broader variety of plants.
