A simple way to sow seeds singly or in clumps using only a damp stick.
Sowing the seeds.
Do I need a special compost?
If possible buy seed sowing compost this will be finer in texture with no large lumps and have less food to damage young roots. More likely you will only have multipurpose compost or other potting composts, you can still use it but try to add 10-15% perlite and mix in carefully. When you are ready to sow use a thin layer of perlite on the surface for sowing
Fill your tray or pots with compost, tap gently but don’t over firm, for small seeds add a thin layer of perlite or vermiculite, then water thoroughly, we will then sow on the wet surface. I know this is not the normal advice but we find the moisture in the compost is enough to start the seeds growing. If you sow then water it is very easy to wash the seeds away or into clumps.
Open your seed packet and tip the seeds into a shallow container, trying to get the seeds slightly spread apart. Then using a small thin cane or stick touch it on the damp compost then back into the seed, sowing with the damp stick, each time you touch the covering, a single seed or depending on the size of the stick a group of seeds will be left behind allowing you to sow little clumps of seed in each plug cell or spaced in a tray. The stick is only slightly damp if it gets too wet just dry it with a cloth, with trial and error you soon get the hang of it.
A thin cane with one single tomato seed attached just with moisture.
Tomato seed sown, as it touches the wet compost it is attracted to it and easily comes off the cane.
With smaller seeds and the same size of cane you can pick up clumps, if you only want one seed use a smaller diameter cane.
Seeds sown one tomato seed and a clump of parsley seed.
Where do you buy this wonder seed sower?
Well you can’t, just keep your eyes out for suitable sticks and start a collection.
