Growing plants from seeds is not as complex as most people think. However, you need to observe certain practices when planting from seeds.
Typically, there is a broad spectrum of factors you need to take into consideration when growing plants from seeds. One of the most common things you need to know is the proper depth at which to plant seeds.
Even though plants have different requirements, you need to determine the average depth at which you plant seeds.
Luckily, most seed manufacturers often indicate the proper depth for seed planting. So, before sowing seeds into the soil, ensure you read and understand all the manufacturer’s guidelines.
General Wisdom for Planting Depth
The majority of gardeners discourage using a depth that is more than twice the seed’s diameter.
Going against this rule won’t enable you to obtain a plentiful harvest. So regardless of the plant depth you use, do your best to avoid jeopardizing this rule.
Information on Seed Company Websites
Suppose you don’t have any planting information on the proper depth for seeds in the manufacturer’s instructions, look for this information online.
Most seed companies usually include this information on their websites. So, if you get planting seeds from a friend, look up this information online. What if you can’t find the information online?
Go the extra mile and consult a gardening expert from your nearest garden store. Never sow seeds if you don’t know the correct planting depth to use.
The standard mathematical rule for seed depth
At times, you may not be able to find information on the correct depth for planting seeds. If you ever find yourself in this scenario, follow the below standard guidelines.
Professional gardeners report that you should use a plant depth that is twice the diameter of the seeds. For more understanding, let’s take a look at a practical example.
Suppose your seed has a diameter of 0.5 inches; use a planting depth of one inch. On the flip side, if your seeds have a one-inch diameter, use a plant depth of two inches.
If your seeds are incredibly tiny, sprinkle them across the seed starting mix and avoid covering them heavily.
Start with the Seed Packet
Aside from following the general rules regarding plant depth, you need to read all the information on your seed packet. Doing this helps you determine the most accurate plant depth to use for your seeds.
Once you purchase seeds from your local garden store, you can always consult the manufacturer if you have any queries or doubts.
Note that the information indicated on the seed packet may not always be correct. So, always consider the general planting depth rules when sowing the seeds.
Are there any exceptions to the rule?
In some instances, gardeners may have to go against the planting depth rule. This usually happens when the manufacturer’s instructions state otherwise.
Additionally, the type of plant species also determines the exact plant depth to be used. For instance, the sweet alyssum plant grows best when sown on the surface.
This is because it requires a lot of sunlight to germinate. Conduct thorough research on the seeds you plan to plant. This way, you’ll be able to determine the best planting depth to use.
Why is Sowing Too Deep a Problem?
More often than not, gardening experts discourage sowing seeds very deeply into the soil. When you sow seeds too deep into the soil, they will struggle to obtain sunlight.
As a result, they may not be able to sprout. Keep in mind that seeds need sunlight, moisture, and warmth to germinate.
If the deep-sown soil manages to germinate, it will most likely grow into a weak plant that won’t be able to withstand harsh climatic conditions. It is challenging for the plant to recover from its weak state.
When Sowing Too Shallow
Sowing seeds too shallow is also a problem. Some seeds may not sprout when exposed to too much sunlight. Thus, placing such seeds too shallow on the ground discourages healthy and strong plant growth.
Also, note that the outermost layer of the soil is more likely to dry quickly. This prevents your seeds from experiencing sufficient moisture.
Taller plants that were planted too shallow in the ground are more likely to have a weaker root system and eventually collapse. Ultimately, sowing seeds too deep and too shallow are both problems on their own.
Six things to remember when planting seeds
When planting seeds, you need to observe certain practices if you want to obtain the best results.
Below, we discuss some things you should never forget when planting seeds.
- The first thing to remember is that your seed needs the right conditions for growth. Generally, seeds need enough sunlight, moisture, and warmth to germinate. So, ensure you place your seeds in a location that allows them to receive all these things.
- The size of your seed determines the plant depth you’ll use for sowing. Once you determine the width of your seed, you’ll know the right planting depth to use. Usually, the planting depth should be twice the size of your seed’s diameter. Always avoid planting your seeds in a crowed pot or too deep or too shallow to enable them to grow to their maximum potential.
- The temperature of your soil determines whether your seeds will germinate. Typically, seeds need a soil temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. Therefore, you need to plant your seeds at the right time. Luckily, some seed packets will tell you to plant outdoors after the last frost or indoors before the last frost. Some seed manufacturers also go ahead and indicate the specific soil temperature that will boost healthy plant growth.
- It would be best if you started growing your seeds indoors. This way, you’ll be able to extend your planting season. When planting seeds indoors, you can plant them at any time of the year, including winter. So, consider planting warm-season crops like cucumbers and tomatoes indoors to make the most of every planting season.
- You can always speed up the germination process by soaking the seeds. This usually works well for hard seeds or seeds that take a long time to germinate. Nonetheless, not all seeds thrive when soaked. For instance, beans won’t be able to grow healthy when soaked.
- The climatic conditions of your area will dictate the seeds you need to plant. Some seeds thrive best when grown during spring, others during winter, and others during fall. However, most gardeners report that spring is the best time to grow your seeds. Before sowing your seeds into the soil, take time to understand all their requirements. Doing this helps you obtain a plentiful harvest at the end of the planting season.
Right depth to dig plant hole
From this article, it is clear that there are general rules for the proper depth at which to plant seeds. Although plants are different, the right depth to plant is usually twice the size of the seed’s diameter.
Going against this rule may lead to failed germination or unhealthy plants. So, ensure you plant your seeds at the correct depth if you want to grow strong and healthy plants.
