Embarking on your journey into vegetable gardening by planting organic seeds may appear intimidating, but it's a time-honored practice that's often simpler than you think. While purchasing "starts" for your garden has gained popularity, sowing seeds provides a diversity not found in store-bought plants. Whether you aim to cultivate unique varieties to impress fellow gardeners or find plants better suited to your climate, seed planting can elevate your gardening experience.

Getting Started with Seed Planting

The first question many ask is how to begin with seed planting, followed by the indoor vs. outdoor dilemma. In this article, we'll provide guidance to make seed planting a seamless process.

Indoors or Outdoors: Which One Works for You?

In regions with mild climates, like the wide-bay, there are limited situations that necessitate starting seeds indoors. Exceptions include areas far inland or in mountainous regions. Mild climates typically don't experience harsh winters, frost, or freezes, making it safe to sow most seeds outdoors. However, if you reside in a frost-prone area such as the Burnett, starting certain seeds indoors can provide a two-week head start to the growing season. Crops like carrots, leafy greens, and tomatoes can thrive indoors, where you can shield them from adverse weather conditions.

Advantages of Indoor Seed Starting

Starting seeds indoors offers numerous benefits, including an earlier start to the growing season and better germination rates due to controlled conditions.

How to Start Seeds Indoors or Outdoors:

The process is simple and accessible to everyone. Begin by choosing a shallow container with drainage holes and fill it with nutrient-rich potting or seed starting soil. Ensure thorough watering without saturating the soil. After the soil is evenly moist, press your vegetable seeds into the soil's surface. As a general rule, plant seeds at a depth twice their size – larger seeds like peas go deeper than smaller ones like carrots. Adequate light is essential; a sunny window usually suffices, but if you opt for artificial lighting, ensure it's full-spectrum. Expect seeds to sprout within 10 to 21 days.

Transplanting Seedlings for Healthy Growth:

As your indoor seedlings flourish, it's essential to ensure they have enough room for growth and to prepare them for outdoor planting. When transplanting, begin by thoroughly watering the seedlings. Gently lift them out with a spoon or small trowel and place them into larger pots, taking care not to disrupt the root ball too much. Maintain regular watering and provide light fertilisation such as worm wee or seaweed extract as needed.

Transitioning Seedlings to the Outdoors:

If you're moving indoor-grown seedlings outside, it's crucial to help them adjust to the tougher outdoor conditions through a process known as "hardening off." Gradually expose them to outdoor elements for a few hours each day. When transplanting, opt for cooler evenings and offer shade if it's a hot day.

Direct Outdoor Sowing for a Successful Garden:

In the Burnett region, direct sowing is often preferred, thanks to our two distinct growing seasons – warm and cool. Proper timing is key.

Steps to Prepare Your Planting Area:

• Loosen the soil if it is compacted or a new garden bed

• Add compost, organic matter, worm tea 

• Water thoroughly

When it comes to planting seeds, the row and furrow technique is commonly used. Create furrows by gently pressing down a shovel or rake handle, sow the seeds evenly, cover them with sifted soil, and water gently to keep the soil consistently moist until sprouting.

Caring for Your Newly Planted Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers:

For directly sown seeds, remember to thin the seedlings and provide appropriate fertile soil while keeping the soil consistently moist. If you're looking for specific care instructions for various vegetables, please consult our shop or some information is provided on back of seed packets. 

Planting Herb Seeds:

Many gardeners prefer to start with herbs due to the convenience of fresh culinary herbs. These small seeds can be a bit challenging. To maximize their success, soak the seeds in water before planting, use pots with moisture-retaining soil, gently press the seeds onto the surface, lightly water, and dust with a thin layer of potting soil. Once they sprout, continue following the care instructions above.

We Wish You a Bountiful and Flourishing Garden!