Broadcast Sowing

 

This method is particularly suitable for annuals that produce deep tap roots such as poppies (Papaver), Gypsophila and Clarkia, as they do not transplant readily and are best sown where they are to flower.

Method

  1. After preparing the seedbed, scatter the seeds thinly and evenly over the area by hand or from the packet aiming them into the furrows made by the rake. Very fine seeds may be mixed with an equal amount of sand to produce a more consistent spread.
  2. Rake the seeds in lightly at right angles to your original rake marks so that they are disturbed as little as possible.
  3. After labelling the area, water with a watering can fitted with a fine rose.
  4. Thereafter, lightly water your seeds regularly so that the soil does not get too dry.

The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul. Alfred Austin (1835-1913)