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Sowing seeds in autumn

DevonianDevonian Posts: 176
in Plants
Question for the seed-sowing experts here! I really like the idea of growing from seed both from the cost and satisfaction points of view. 

I'm just currently mulling over whether I should sow direct in autumn for some perennials (specifically echinops and papaver at this stage for my 'prairie' borders - maybe other seeds such as cerinthe for other borders too).

If anyone on here has advice then I'd be most grateful as my seed-sowing experience is very limited and I had mixed results earlier in the year!

My biggest challenge is that I'd like these plants to grow in gaps in the borders, so is it OK to sow them direct on the prepared soil or better to sow in trays etc? Bearing in mind I don't have a greenhouse or coldframe!

Thanks in advance

Posts

  • newbie77newbie77 Posts: 1,838
    I would always sow in trays or pots or whatever i have available, never direct on soil. Far better control on moisture level to maintain, i can see what is my seedling vs weed, and a bit safe from dreaded slugs.
    South West London
  • REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
    Just tagging on here. On the moisture front... my autumn sown seedlings/very small plants are in an unheated covered/enclosed (glass ceiling and and brick) area down the side of the house. They will be left for a bit over Christmas. I am wondering how often they will need watering (what to ask someone who comes in to do). At the moment I am probably watering every other day which I am thinking may be more than they need anyway.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I never water small plants over winter. I certainly haven't touched the sweet peas that I sowed back in September for about 6 weeks at least. They're near the house under a small perspex table, with a few other things. I also have some small seedlings under the bench -in a similar site to yours. I looked at them yesterday because our ground's been frozen for over a week, and I thought they might have died off, but they're fine. 

    They'll absorb enough moisture  if they're under basic cover, because there's still enough moisture available in the air. If you have very dry weather for a long period - ie weeks, they may need a little, but if you have them somewhere sheltered, they should be fine whether it's very wet or very dry. Just take a look at them now and again.
    You're more likely to cause problems with too much water than too little.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I agree with @Fairygirl … I never water in the winter. They’re not growing … just ticking over. The worst thing for almost any plants is a combination of cold and wet around their roots. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    I completely agree with the above. If I have hardy seedling outside, like foxgloves  they don't tend to need any care until the weather starts to warm up again. I have some in a cold greenhouse and even then they don't tend to need more than the odd splash of water every now and then.
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