Will watch this thread with interest. I've just sown cornflower and eschscholzia directly so hopefully they will come up like yours Buttercupdays. I weeded where they were to go, smoothed the soil, watered it then just sprinkled them on, covering them a bit with sprinkles of soil. Watered again a couple of days later.
I sow many veggies direct - carrots, parsnips, beetroot - and anything with a long root really, in nursery days, I'd sow brassicas by the pound direct, in the days when the only insect repellent was soot. A few would be lost to various beasties - one year flea beetles reduced many to net curtains but they all survived.
Flowers are more temperamental - especially wild types! The reason I think, is mainly because the natural flora of an area is not necessarily the mix I planted - the resident bugs also express their opinion. One year, I had an truly fantastic show of Corncockle - for about a fortnight - then nothing just a uniform green jungle! Another season produced Corn Marigolds, Milkweed and Dog Daisies - all quite showy but NOT what my client wanted. On the fourth year after spending close to £1,000 on different seed mixes - we ploughed the lot and laid a lawn and of course - many wild flowers then kept popping up. Gardening eh?
I'm still waiting to plant mine. Wanted the soil to be moist, well it is now, but the areas are on a slope and if I sow them today everything will end up at the bottom!
My borders aren’t clear enough for seeds direct. I’ve tried it and it doesn’t appear. Only established plants because they all have to fight for space and the soil isn’t fine enough, too twiggy and uneven.
Today. So many plants can be obtained from various sources, grown in cell trays and pots. It's become a commercial industry. Gardeners face this situation individually. Time & energy is a factor. Sowing direct into the ground, can mean thining out etc.
Consideration must be given for the wants of each seed species etc. Do you sow in drills, or individually, or do you surface sow. It really is worthwhile getting organised.
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Flowers are more temperamental - especially wild types! The reason I think, is mainly because the natural flora of an area is not necessarily the mix I planted - the resident bugs also express their opinion. One year, I had an truly fantastic show of Corncockle - for about a fortnight - then nothing just a uniform green jungle! Another season produced Corn Marigolds, Milkweed and Dog Daisies - all quite showy but NOT what my client wanted. On the fourth year after spending close to £1,000 on different seed mixes - we ploughed the lot and laid a lawn and of course - many wild flowers then kept popping up. Gardening eh?
I will be keeping check with interest