It’s almost time to start your first sowings

It’s almost time to get started with the first sowings of the season.

If you’ve never done it before, growing your own plants from seed comes with many great advantages:

• a wide freedom of choice in varieties,

• access to organic, open-pollinated and regional seeds,

• significant cost savings,

• plants better adapted to your own garden,

• and, above all, a lot of enjoyment.

And contrary to what is sometimes believed, successful sowing is not complicated. It mainly requires following a few basic principles and respecting the natural rhythm of plants. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep going.

How to succeed easily with your sowings

Seed germination relies on three simple elements – the “holy trinity” of sowing – which can vary depending on the crop:
moisture, temperature and light.

Regular moisture

Seeds need water to start growing, but without excess.
A substrate that is too wet quickly leads to diseases or damping-off. The ideal solution is a fine, well-drained organic seed compost, kept evenly moist.

The right temperature

Warmth is mainly important during germination. Most vegetables germinate well between 18 and 25 °C.
Once the seedlings have emerged, slightly cooler temperatures help produce compact, sturdy plants.
You will find the ideal germination temperature for each variety on our website and on every seed packet. Be aware that normal indoor temperatures are often insufficient for heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers and aubergines.

Good light

Light is essential as soon as seedlings emerge.
A lack of light results in tall, weak plants that stretch. Early in the season, it is sometimes better to wait a few extra days before sowing than to grow weak seedlings.

Sowing at the right moment, without rushing

One of the keys to successful sowing is to plan based on the planting date in open ground.

Each vegetable has its own rhythm:

• some require several weeks of growth before planting out (tomatoes, peppers, aubergines),

• others grow quickly and are better sown later (courgettes, cucumbers, squash).

Sowing too early offers no benefit if conditions are not suitable.
Sowing at the right time results in balanced, resilient plants that adapt more easily to the garden.

Equipment that can help with sowing

Good equipment does not replace good conditions, but it can make the process easier and improve success rates, especially early in the season.

Mini greenhouse or transparent cover

Useful for maintaining steady humidity and temperature during germination.
Mainly used at the start, with regular ventilation once seeds have emerged.

Heating mat

Very useful for heat-loving vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, aubergines).
It ensures a stable germination temperature, even in a cool room.
Once seedlings have emerged, the heat source should be removed.

Seed trays, pots and seed pans

Seed pans are suitable for sowings that will later be transplanted.
Seed trays and small pots are ideal for fine seeds and plants intended for transplanting.
Adequate depth encourages good root development.

Soil blocker

Particularly useful for saving space and reducing transplant shock.
Roots develop naturally, and plants usually establish better when planted out.

The most important thing is to adapt the equipment to your real conditions (light, space, temperature), rather than multiplying tools unnecessarily.

Choosing the right sowing method

Depending on the crop and the season, different methods are recommended:

Simple, strong and well-adapted plants

A final tip: a good plant is not necessarily tall or early. It is above all sturdy, well-rooted and balanced. These plants adapt more easily to open ground and give better harvests.

All that’s left is to choose your varieties, prepare your equipment… and get started, with Cycle-en-Terre seeds.