Seed Starting for Beginners – A Guide to Growing Plants from Seed

Growing plants from seed is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. Whether you want to grow your own vegetables, fill your garden with colourful flowers or start a collection of herbs, growing from seed allows you to enjoy the entire process, from germination to a healthy, established plant.

If you're new to gardening, knowing where to start can feel a little overwhelming. How deep should you plant seeds? Do all seeds need to be covered? Should some seeds be soaked before planting? And is it better to sow directly into the garden or use seed trays?

The good news is that growing from seed doesn't have to be complicated.

In this guide, we'll cover the basics of seed starting, including choosing the right growing medium, sowing depth, light requirements, soaking, watering and transplanting. With a little preparation and the right care, you'll be well on your way to growing your own plants.

1. What do you need to start growing from seed?

Before you begin sowing, it's helpful to gather a few basic supplies. You don't need an elaborate setup to get started, but using suitable equipment can make the process easier and improve your chances of successful germination.

Here are some useful items to have:

• Seeds: Choose varieties suited to your climate, growing conditions and available space.
• Seed trays or individual pots: These provide a convenient place to start seedlings before transplanting.
• Seed-starting mix: A suitable growing medium provides moisture, drainage and air circulation for developing roots.
• Fine vermiculite: Useful for lightly covering many small seeds and helping retain moisture.
• Spray bottle: Helps keep the growing medium moist without disturbing small seeds.
• Plant labels: Essential for identifying different varieties and recording sowing dates.

You can browse our seed trays and supplies to find useful equipment for your next sowing session.

2. Choosing the right growing medium

One of the most important steps in successful seed starting is choosing a suitable growing medium.

Seeds need moisture and oxygen to germinate. Once they begin developing, young roots also need a loose, well-draining environment in which to establish themselves.

A good seed-starting mix should be:

• Fine-textured, without large clumps or chunky material.
• Well-draining, to prevent water logging.
• Moisture-retentive, so seeds don't dry out too quickly.
• Light and loose, allowing young roots to develop easily.

Avoid using heavy, compacted garden soil or growing media containing large pieces of organic material, as these can make it difficult for small seedlings to emerge.

You can explore our plant propagation and seed-starting supplies when preparing your seed-starting setup.

Can you use vermiculite when starting seeds?

Yes! Vermiculite is a useful material for seed starting.

Fine vermiculite is particularly suitable for lightly covering small seeds. It is lightweight, retains moisture and allows air to circulate around the seeds.

It can also help reduce moisture loss from the surface of the growing medium.

Browse our Fine Vermiculite for your seed-starting supplies.

Remember that vermiculite is a growing medium amendment and seed covering material, not a complete substitute for a suitable seed-starting mix.

3. How deep should you sow seeds?

Sowing depth is important because seeds need the right conditions to germinate. Planting too deeply can prevent some seeds from emerging, while leaving others exposed can cause them to dry out.

A useful general guideline is to sow seeds at a depth of approximately two to three times their thickness.

However, this is not a rule for every seed.

• Very small seeds: Often need to be surface sown or covered very lightly.
• Medium-sized seeds: Usually benefit from a light covering of growing medium.
• Larger seeds: Can generally be planted deeper, depending on the variety.

Always check the seed packet instructions, as different species have different requirements.

4. Which seeds need light to germinate?

Not all seeds need to be buried in growing medium. Some seeds require light to germinate and should be sown on the surface or covered with only a very thin layer. Fine vermiculite is often used to lightly cover seeds that need light to germinate

These seeds are generally spread over the surface of a fine, moist growing medium and gently pressed into contact with it.

Examples of seeds that benefit from surface sowing or very light covering

Lettuce: Sow on the surface or cover very lightly. Excessive covering can reduce germination.

Thyme: The seeds are tiny, so avoid burying them deeply.

Chamomile: Generally sown shallowly. Light requirements can vary between species.

Lavender: Sow shallowly and follow the instructions for the particular variety.

Gypsophila: Cover very lightly rather than burying deeply.

Petunias: Their tiny seeds commonly require light to germinate, so surface sowing is recommended.

Lobelia: Sow on the surface without covering with soil.

Alyssum: Surface sow or cover very lightly.

Snapdragons: Sow on the surface or cover very lightly.

Shirley poppies: Scatter over the surface or cover very lightly.

For other small flower seeds, always check the packet instructions before covering them. Small seed size alone does not necessarily mean a seed requires light to germinate.

How to sow seeds that need light

1. Fill a clean seed tray with fine, moist seed-starting mix.
2. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface.
3. Gently press them into contact with the growing medium.
4. Leave them uncovered or use only a very thin dusting of fine vermiculite if appropriate.
5. Mist gently with a spray bottle to maintain moisture.

Important: A thick covering of growing medium or vermiculite can block the light needed for germination. When a seed requires light, keep it exposed or use only the minimal covering recommended for that variety.

5. Which seeds benefit from soaking before sowing?

Some seeds benefit from soaking before planting. Soaking allows seeds to absorb water, which can help soften certain seed coats and begin the germination process.

It is particularly useful for some larger seeds and seeds with harder outer coatings.

However, soaking is not necessary for every seed. Many seeds germinate perfectly well when planted directly into moist growing medium.

Recommended soaking times

The following are suggested starting points for the varieties listed. Actual requirements can vary according to species, seed condition and supplier instructions.

Seed	Suggested soaking time
Baobab	36 hours
Moringa	24 hours
Leopard Tree	24 hours
Areca Palm	1–7 days
Fig	48 hours
Camel Thorn	24 hours
Paperbark Thorn	12 hours
Goji Berry	24 hours
Loofah	24 hours
Coriander	12 hours
Thyme	24 hours
Parsley	24–36 hours

How to soak seeds correctly

1. Use clean water at room temperature unless the seed supplier specifies otherwise.
2. Place the seeds in a clean container.
3. Add enough water to cover the seeds.
4. Allow them to soak for the recommended period.
5. For longer soaking periods, monitor the seeds and change the water regularly where appropriate.
6. Remove the seeds and sow them promptly into the recommended growing medium.

Important soaking precautions

• Do not soak seeds unnecessarily. Some varieties do not benefit from soaking.
• Certain hard-coated tree seeds may require scarification or another preparation method in addition to soaking.
• Do not use boiling water or aggressive scarification unless you have confirmed the correct treatment for that particular species.
• Very small seeds are often easier to sow without soaking, as they can become difficult to handle when wet.

6. Direct sowing vs starting seeds in trays

There are two common ways to start plants from seed: direct sowing and starting seeds in trays or pots.

Both methods have advantages, and the best choice depends on the type of plant and its growing requirements.

What is direct sowing?

Direct sowing means planting seeds directly into the garden bed or container where the plants will grow to maturity.

This method works particularly well for plants that dislike root disturbance, grow quickly or need plenty of space.

Examples of vegetables suitable for direct sowing:

• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Radishes
• Beetroot
• Climbing beans
• French beans
• Corn and sweetcorn
• Pumpkin
• Cucumber
• Baby marrow
• Watermelon
• Okra

Some herbs and flowers can also be direct sown.

Herbs suitable for direct sowing include:

• Coriander
• Rocket
• Fenugreek
• Chamomile

Parsley can also be direct sown, although germination may be slow and uneven.

Flowers suitable for direct sowing include:

• Shirley poppies
• Nasturtiums
• Cosmos
• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Sunflowers
• Portulaca
• Celosia
• Gomphrena
• Cornflowers
• Hollyhocks
• Strawflowers

Why choose direct sowing?

• Root vegetables develop better when their roots are not disturbed.
• Beans and corn are generally easy to establish in their final growing position.
• Spreading vegetables such as pumpkins, cucumbers and watermelons benefit from being planted where they have room to grow.
• It eliminates the need to transplant certain seedlings.

When is it better to start seeds in trays or pots?

Starting seeds in trays gives you more control over early growing conditions.

It can be particularly useful for small-seeded plants, varieties that need closer monitoring or plants that benefit from a protected start.

Examples of plants commonly started in seed trays or individual pots:

• Cabbage
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Eggplant
• Tamarillo
• Many small-seeded flowers

Starting these plants in containers is a practical recommendation rather than a strict requirement. Some can also be direct sown, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Browse our seed trays and pots to prepare your own propagation area.

7. How to water seeds during germination

Water is essential for germination. Seeds absorb moisture, which activates the processes needed for growth.

However, keeping seeds moist does not mean keeping them waterlogged.

Too much water can reduce the oxygen available to seeds and developing roots, potentially leading to seed rot and damping-off disease.

Watering tips

• Keep the growing medium consistently moist.
• Use a fine spray bottle for small seeds to avoid washing them away.
• Bottom watering can help distribute moisture without disturbing the seeds.
• Ensure trays and pots have drainage holes.
• Avoid allowing the growing medium to dry out during germination.
• Check trays regularly, particularly during hot or windy weather.

Surface-sown seeds are especially vulnerable to drying out, so pay close attention to moisture levels.

8. Temperature and light requirements

Different seeds have different temperature and light requirements.

Warm-season vegetables generally prefer warmer soil, while some herbs and flowers germinate better under cooler conditions.

Once seedlings emerge, their light requirements become equally important.

Most vegetable and flower seedlings need adequate light to develop strong, healthy growth. Insufficient light can result in weak, stretched seedlings.

Helpful tips

• Check the recommended germination temperature for each seed variety.
• Avoid placing seed trays in excessive heat.
• Provide suitable light once seedlings emerge.
• Protect young seedlings from strong afternoon sun when necessary.
• Maintain good airflow around your growing area.

Remember that germination requirements and the light requirements of established seedlings are not always the same.

9. When are seedlings ready to transplant?

Once seedlings have germinated and started growing, they will eventually need more space.

A useful indication that a seedling is ready for transplanting is the development of its first true leaves.

The first leaves to appear are called cotyledons or seed leaves. True leaves develop afterwards and begin to resemble the mature plant's characteristic foliage.

Before transplanting, check that the seedling is sufficiently established and that the weather and growing conditions are suitable.

Harden off seedlings before planting outside

Seedlings raised indoors or in protected trays need time to adjust to outdoor conditions.

This process is called hardening off.

Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor light, airflow and temperature changes over several days before planting them into the garden.

This helps reduce transplant shock and gives young plants a better chance of establishing successfully.

10. Common seed-starting mistakes to avoid

Even experienced gardeners occasionally experience poor germination. Often, the problem comes down to a few common mistakes.

Planting seeds too deeply: Small seeds may struggle to emerge when buried too far beneath the surface.

Overwatering: Waterlogged growing medium can reduce oxygen availability and encourage seed rot.

Allowing seeds to dry out: Seeds need consistent moisture during germination, particularly those sown on the surface.

Using unsuitable growing medium: Heavy, compacted or poorly drained soil can make germination and early root development difficult.

Ignoring temperature requirements: Seeds may germinate poorly when temperatures are unsuitable for the particular variety.

Crowding seedlings: Too many seedlings growing together compete for light, moisture and nutrients.

Transplanting too early: Young seedlings need to be sufficiently established before being moved into the garden.

Giving up too soon: Some seeds germinate within days, while others can take several weeks or longer. Always check the expected germination period before discarding a tray.

11. Keep a record of what you sow

One of the easiest ways to improve your gardening results is to keep a simple sowing record.

Record the following information:

• Plant and variety name.
• Date sown.
• Germination date.
• Number of seeds that germinated.
• Growing conditions.
• Any difficulties experienced.

Over time, these records help you identify which varieties perform best in your garden and which sowing methods give you the most reliable results.

They can also help you plan future planting seasons more effectively.

Final thoughts

Growing plants from seed is a skill that develops with practice. You won't get everything right the first time, and that's part of the learning process.

Start with a few varieties, follow the seed packet instructions and pay attention to moisture, temperature and light requirements.

As you gain experience, you'll become more confident in choosing the right growing medium, preparing seeds and caring for young seedlings.

At Layla's Organics, we believe successful gardening starts with understanding what your plants need.

Explore our seeds and seed starting supplies to get started.

Happy growing!