How to Sow Garden Seeds (Survival Garden Series)

Putting seeds in soil is easy, but preparing garden beds, improving soil, and sowing seeds correctly are some of the factors to ensure gardening success. Gardener Scott discusses and demonstrates how to sow seeds when planting a survival garden. (Video #373)
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[@carolynsteele5116]

Although this is information that an experienced gardener like me already knows, there are tons of beginners nowadays. Im always trying to teach people how to plant a garden and this video is very valuable to those just starting out. I’ve dedicated myself to teaching others and I find that they need to be shown exactly how to do simple planting. Now I can refer them to your video instead of trying to demonstrate to each person. Thank you for taking the time to create such wonderful content!

[@heidiclark6612]

Great precise planting instructions.. Details do matter.

[@993ti]

Scott is like the Bob Ross of gardening :) Easy to understand and explained calmly. Thumbs up!

[@nickthegardener.1120]

Everything I sow direct other than onion sets and potatoes get eaten. I prefer to start in modules for most veggies. Except carrots.👍

[@marygrott8095]

I just planted cucumber seeds in a pot temporarily because the ones I planted in the ground got decapitated shortly after sprouting. So I'll just transplant once thsy get big enough.

[@umiluv]

@@marygrott8095 - definitely check for cutworms. I got lucky and when I watered my potatoes I saw a cutworm coming up from the ground (it was trying to avoid drowning) and noticed it had almost cut off one of the plants growing from a seed potato. I removed the cutworm and the rest of my potato plants came up without issue.

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

@@marygrott8095 If the squash seeds are getting outright decapitated, then it may also be chipmunks, as they eat seeds and sprouts. Cutworms will take a bite out of the stem, causing the seedling to bend in half, but chipmunks will cut off the tops or yank them out of the soil. Their population seems to have exploded this year, so if you don't have covers or scent repellents, then you're doing the right thing.

[@garynorcal4269]

Patience and determination pay dividends. Great video today..lots of good ideas and techniques were covered. I am glad to see you planting. In my case, I may have both the best summer garden ever and the most failed plantings ever. 1. I planted and lost plants to both cold and heat issues this year already. 2. I planted and lost plants to insect and water damage already. 3. I have successfully harvested spring varieties and have multiple plantings (succession) of summer plants. I am glad to say that my garden may have the best succession planting success ever this year and I am already considering what to plant in the fall. Now .. off to harvest some potatoes and then plant my 3rd corn block. 🙂🙃🙂😉

[@tranthiduyen615]

Xin chào bạn lời chào từ Vietnam,bạn trồng rau thật tuyệt vời

[@roccoconte2960]

The garden could be very important this year with the crazy prices and shortages on the shelves.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Thanks for sharing this. I think that gardening should be taught in schools. It is a valuable skill to have, which will be very useful for people. In times like these, with costs of food going up, having a garden is a benefit. Cheers, Scott!

[@sunnyseacat9232]

Yes - gardening taught in schools: "school gardens," non-GMO, organic: students develop life-long skills, take care of plants, see them grow, develop confidence, increase math skills, learn communication/cooperation skills, etc. EVERY school can transform grassy areas to gardening, grow vegetables and fruit enough for the entire school, local homeless shelters, and vegetables for dogs too! Also, building raised beds - carpentry skills - visual/spatial development... The possibilities are infinite: students have a healthier diet and contribute to each other's well being.

[@mbgardnerb454]

Can you sprout the watermelon seeds in a baggie between two moist paper papertowles and plant them a little earlier?

[@GardenerScott]

Sure. It becomes more important to lightly mulch and keep the soil moist so the young seedling doesn't dry out.

[@sjk7314]

GS fan here. Interesting that you chose to do such a simplistic video, and that you (and others) are now saying "survival garden" out loud. Deep down we all know times they are a-changing, and the more beginner gardeners getting inspired, the better! Thanks GS, love your soothing delivery style. 💜from Wisconsin

[@brianseybert2189]

I have found that growing anything in the garden without flowers is really boring.. Interplanting a flowering plant amongst your main crop not only ads beauty but benefits the plants as well. I try to mix everything I can into my garden beds, that is why it takes me so long to try and get everything right. Just me, a garden without flowers is just a factory.

[@dustyflats3832]

They do help with pest control. I am happy the nasturtium seeds I saved came up and have a crazy amount of cosmos, Mexican hat, marigolds and Zinnias. Lol! And today I just found the coneflower. I let the cilantro reseed and it also seems to help. So excited the dill is volunteering finally. How are your onions doing with all this rain? I've had to trim out some bent ones and they have been wind whipped and now I think too crisp from all this rain. The brassicas are doing ok, but I noticed many plants looking too tender and whimpy in the sun today. Hope they toughen up b4 Tuesday. Wonder if I should cover onions b4 rain again. I'm changing out tarps, frost and shade cloth more on the plants than a person changes clothes🤣🤣

[@brianseybert2189]

@@dustyflats3832 Last year I did a lot of bachelor buttons, cosmos, asters, chamomile, morning glories, cardinal climbers, scarlet runner beans, marigold, petunias, borage, comfrey and dill for the pollinators. This year I have the same plus adding cilantro, catnip(in grow bags) lavender, some short daisies, oriental poppies, zinnias and really looking forward to the moon flowers. Having all of these plants in my beds I had a wonderful harvests, even the onions did not mind their neighbors. My onions are doing great! My only real problem so far are the dam squirrels. Made the mistake of maintaining bird feeders over the winter in my garden area. Well the squirrels are still looking for handouts. Had to replant my celery twice and replace a bunch of other tender seedlings, now I am competing with them for my strawberries. I tried some spiked wire fencing around a flower bed and it worked , so now I have to do this for all my beds, more stuff. I have a video of my garden last Aug. "Brian Seybert garden tour" take a look, you might enjoy it. Happy planting!!!

[@dustyflats3832]

@@brianseybert2189 I haven't done borage or comfrey at least not recently, but my SIL gave me moonflowers last year. I'm cautious because I think they can spread and may be related to morning glories. Have an awful time with purple morning glories previous owner must have planted. It has to be at least 5 years that I realized they were replanting and have been pulling them about as long. They act like their cousin bind weed. I was the one that warned of oregano being aggressive. I'm sure that's what was growing in previous owner flower bed and I think after a couple years of pulling and digging I have it gone. Now there is an ornamental oregano also, but all I know is this looked and smelled like oregano. I have some in my garden that I started from seed and keeping a close eye on. The celery could be eaten by gophers unless you've seen the squirrels involved. That's what we use on rat traps to get rid of over 50 gophers. They can't resist it. Enjoy the heat that is heading our way and hope the rain is regular this year. Lol! My husband and I just watched your garden tour video and it's looks Wonderful! A bit of everything. We were laughing because you have a Linnies in your hand and my husband's dad is related to them. And of course he recognized an Airborne flag. He said, I like this guy, he's real.😊 I am also fond of angels and sweet 100s are our favorite cherry tomatoe. Have to get some borage to keep the giant bumbles busy. Very nice and thanks for sharing.

[@brianseybert2189]

@@dustyflats3832 If you guys are not too far from Sun Prairie, I have comfrey and borage I can always dig up, plus I always have cold Linnies in the fridge. Do not have gofers, just squirrels, I tried to make an accord , but they are not wiling to listen... Too bad, I have my ways. Tell you're Grand dad to give a fellow gardener a break. I have a 20' trellis planted with moon flowers, cardinal climbers, sweet peas and black-eyed Susan vines, cannot wait to see everything come into full color. Angels are all around us, I enjoy seeing our image of them in my garden. Just today a neighbor came back with a cleaned birdhouse gourd I had given their two year old daughter. I told them to paint it up then bring it back an I will magically turn it into a birdhouse. So I drilled some holes, strung some copper wire and tied a hanger from some string. This little girl was so excited, it almost brought tears to my eyes. This is why I garden. Not so much for what I consume, but what it really gives me. I was a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division. I survived utter hell, I lost some but saved many. Now all I want is to grow my garden and give back for the life I have in respect for my boys that did not come home. The excitement from a child's face ,how fast my free plant bin is emptied lets me know I am an gardener. Sweet 100's are a staple, only wish they were not a hybrid. Cost me $2.50 for seeds, only got 10 seeds. grew my one gave the rest away. The reason I planted oregano and thyme in my beds is to keep living roots. I really do not care if the oregano or thyme take over, in fact i want it to. Dr. Elaine Ingham testifies to green cover crops, mainly because it maintains the soil biology. Next year when it comes time to plant, I'll just cut through any plant or roots in the way. THE MAIN THING IS THE LIVING SOIL. Perennial roots, even in the winter maintains a healthy soil microbiome, if it is maintained you do not have to replace it. Thank you for viewing my humble garden, and your kind words.

[@SecondComingTwice]

Gardener Scott, do you have an inline water filter on your irrigation hose? I've seen in numerous places that the chlorine and clohramines in tap water can be detrimental to the microorganisms in the soil microbiome. ( I try and irrigate with water that has been in buckets for a while inasmuch as the chemicals evaporate pretty quickly.)

[@GardenerScott]

I don't. I've reviewed studies that show minimal if any impact from treated water.

[@heatherrn8083]

Thanks for the great info as always

[@ghostridergale]

Wish I could get my garden going! It’s been raining so much here in Camas, Washington that our ground more like a swamp so far this year. Last year we had sunny weather even in the 100’s temperatures by June. This year we hit 80 a couple times so far. But our temps been more in the low 60’s if not lower and in the low 40’s at night possibly lower? And tons of rain! 3-4 days of rain and 1 or 2 days dry if we’re lucky and back to rain rain rain! I’m afraid anything I plant would just get drained to death? Not sure if I will get a garden in this year or not?

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good Saturday Mornin' Everyone!!!!!Got taters in the bucket. My favorite method of maintaining a sustainable pantry and stockpiling items long term for the whole family and the family dog and the family cat is what I consider to be the most practical, utilizing every type of food storage methods and technology available, both old and new. . Except for the fruits and vegetables that get canned, I keep perishable items like meat, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables and dairy products in the refrigerator on a short term basis until I'm ready to use them for a big family meal - and for even longer term sustainable storage, a large separate freezer, which can store a half side of beef with plenty of room left over for homemade ice cream etc. . I'm considering upgrading to a walk-in freezer at some point.in the near future, if my plans to open a bed and breakfast come to fruition. Sometimes, however a nice round of cheese can do well for quite awhile on a pantry shelf at room temperature - and doesn't mind even if it has to stand there alone.😁 Store bought canned goods get shelves.in the large pantry closet - several for canned meat like corned beef hash, spam and sandwich spread and another for canned vegetables Bread, rolls, grains, homemade pasta, cereals and the like are stored in special humidity controlled bins I order from Amazon Prime - which usually get delivered to my doorstep about an hour after I order them. . Stuff from the family garden and orchard, like onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumber, pumpkins, carrots, corn celery,, potatoes and yams, cherries, blueberries and strawberries get canned in Mason Jars and stored in the cool, root cellar of this wonderful rambling former farmhouse (circa 1867) I share with my extended blended family and several rambunctious dogs raised on table scraps from the some of the finest food from a plethora of sources both commercial and home based. . There's even a special separate "summer kitchen" which I converted to store butter and ice cream churns, pots, pans, utensils, extra storage containers, foil, bags, cutlery, and other meal related accoutrement. Out back in the woods, just beyond the big pile of wood I maintain all year, (for use in an antique woodstove I keep on hand, in case the power goes out) there's even an old rusting vintage still where my great grandfather made some of the finest corn whiskey for miles. Next to it is the rusting hulk of the Ford Model A he used to transport that powerful hootch by the light of the moon on soft summer nights to his eager customers in a tri-county area. Further into this verdant forest of mostly sycamore, oak, pine and scrub, runs a cool stream into which I occasionally cast a rod or net to catch some Brook Trout, Bluntnose Shiners, or whatever takes the bait (just earthworms for the most part). And yes, hunting season means wild turkey, deer, and even an occasional wild boar. Next week, I'm planning on filing for a permit to 3-D print a smokehouse in order to be able to create gourmet artisan handcrafted, beef, bacon, turkey, and beef stick jerky, which interested local merchants can private label for other people to share with their families and their family dogs. Unfortunately, i had to break the bad news to my free range hens today that due to expected egg shortages regretfully numbered are their days of laying a couple of eggs and then basically taking the rest of the day off with ranging privileges' within the parameters of a few very nice rural acres - parts of which are rich with fat grubworms. There's even a short dirt road between the main barn and the farmhouse which they're free to cross to get to the other side as often as they'd like. My rooster Ben overheard me and he ain't too happy either, knowing full well that due to oncoming egg shortages, he'll be "workin' overtime to make sure there's plenty of eggs for me an the family. Thank you Veggie Boys for allowing me to share!!!

[@thedukeofagita3730]

Thanks for another informative and encouraging video. I planted a bunch of different seeds in the shaded raised bed a couple weeks ago. I didn’t have high expectations since most were quite old. To my surprise, a decent amount began to sprout. Unfortunately, the chickens got out and raided the bed as well as the pumpkin and sunflower seeds outside of it. Looks like some carrots made it through the feathery bulldozer onslaught, but not much else. No big deal, I have a gang of stuff coming in this weekend. Sweet potato, potato, and onion sets, pumpkin seeds, 4 hazelnuts, 2 raspberries, and a blueberry. I’m going to get some tomato and pepper seeds going as well. It’s gonna be a wonderful weekend of additions, so all-in-all, I’m pretty stoked.

[@joycedagostino8869]

Hi Scott, you mentioned in another video that you have a method of direct sowing onion seed in the fall, mulching and then they come up in the spring and this is easier than trying to do starts that you transplant. Can you please do a video on this when the time is right? I have grown onions from seed but this sounds like such an easier method! I found some mini ziploc bags at a craft store and they are great to use for leftover seeds, keeps them from spilling out of the packet. Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

That is on my list of videos to do. The bed I'm planning to use is built now so I should be starting on it this fall. Thanks.

[@joycedagostino8869]

@@GardenerScott Thanks!

[@frankbarnwell____]

I'm all ears, but corn struggling. All good GS.

[@amyberchtold2728]

Such basic steps in gardening but FULL of wonderful techniques and ideas. Win, win again!

[@karadewolfe904]

Thank you so much for the information and videos!

[@frankt7521]

I won't be ready to plant until the middle to end of July. Is there anything I can plant this late in the season? I'm not too far from you (Falcon area).

[@GardenerScott]

There is a lot. You can see what I'm planting now and in July and August I'll be sowing cool season plants for a fall harvest.

[@frankt7521]

@@GardenerScott Will there be a cool season planting video?

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GardenerScott I struggle to find room for Fall planting. Seems everything takes longer to mature here zone 5a. Want to freeze broccoli and it takes a lot of room.

[@GardenerScott]

I already have a series of videos that show fall garden planning and planting.

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

I found out the hard way that I can't direct sow anything, due to the prevalence of pests in the area. Smaller seeds and sprouts, like carrots, get eaten by bugs before I can even see them. Larger seeds, like squash, get dug up and eaten by chipmunks. This year, the chipmunks have sawn off the tops of hundreds of my squash and sunflower sprouts, or sometimes I'll see the seedlings yanked out of the soil and left to die. I've tried covering the soil with a mesh, but it has to be a window screen, as they can reach right through hardware mesh. I've tried using plastic covers, but unless they're a perfect seal, the chipmunks dig right under them. I've tried spraying a pepper solution and using scent deterrents like bloodmeal, but the rain washes it off, and the chipmunks always cause a lot of damage right after a rainfall. I've had no choice but to transplant everything, and even then, there's no telling if my seedlings will be safe.

[@sunnyseacat9232]

Plant indoors first?

[@rickthelian2215]

Nice survival garden beds. In Australia we have issues with Iceberg Lettuce being AU$11.99, KFC needing to use cabbage or a mix, no other Lettuce varieties on supermarket shelves even pre-packed bags. Potatoes and onions are already expensive for this time of year but prices are tipped to rise again, both currently $3 kg or $11.99+ a 10kg bag

[@maryelizabethcalais9180]

Scott, yesterday I watched one of your videos about garden soil for germinating seeds, seedlings, and placing plants in the garden beds. I am doing mostly container gardening, along with companion planting of flowers for insect control. I'm not clear on soil composition. If I understood correctly, you create a soil mixture for the beds of: compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. Do you not add any soil to the mix; not even a topsoil? I'm on a strict budget so I start w plain inexpensive topsoil, to which I add composted wood chips, earthworm castings, and other additives that you recommend such as: bone meal, blood meal, azomite, etc as recommended for certain plants. Please advise......... tks much

[@GardenerScott]

My garden bed soil is primarily native soil and only about 25% amended organic matter. Seed starter mix and potting mix are different than amended garden soil.

[@shineyrocks390]

True or false Scott? There are some varieties of lettuce that need light to germinate? Great video Scott I always learn something new from you.

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, lettuce needs light to germinate. Thanks.

[@TheMississauga333]

when planting turnup, when are they to be mulched? or should i ,info is sparse

[@GardenerScott]

I begin adding mulch as soon as the plants begin growing.

[@jonathanrich4213]

I planted radishes for the first time in a few years this week, but we are getting such heavy rains that I am worried they won't survive.

[@umiluv]

I planted some cilantro seeds before the rains we got and they actually popped up after the rain so I think you’ll be alright.

[@Jamescityboygardening]

Has anyone watching Gardener Scott ever dealt with VOLES! There driving me up a vall. Any information would be appreciated..

[@GardenerScott]

I do have voles. I don't have a specific video about them, but have mentioned they are a reason I garden in raised beds with wire barrier at the bottom to keep them and gophers out.

[@Jamescityboygardening]

@@GardenerScott What do you use in the bottom of your beds chicken wire or hardware cloth. These dudes are persistent.

[@dustyflats3832]

Hard to believe your soil is only 60° in 5b. We have had a crazy spring no doubt--every week is different--high heat, wind, heat again, Cold nights and now a lot of rain in 5a. I think Mother Nature is miffed at me because I wasn't to happy having to water twice a day. She probably said, Here, take that! Seriously we were in a drought and now I'm concerned about onions having too much water. The plants looked wimpy today with full day of sun, like they are too tender to handle it. More rain tomorrow morning and this weekend. I had a cover over onions at one point, not sure if I should again as on Tuesday we will be high 90s. Have a question: Why does lettuce and radishes seem to grow so slow? I planted on east side of house because we had a lot of heat and maybe it's not enough sun. I have planted in full sun before, but still slow growth and many times no bulbing on radishes and beets seem to be iffy. I think we have too much temperature swing. Great video for new gardeners. I was afraid I planted my tomatoes too close, but if you can grow 3 zucchini that close I might be ok.😄 P.S. Call your potatoebeetles back home, found first one on the 7th🤣

[@GardenerScott]

Low light can affect lettuce and radishes. Too much nitrogen can reduce bulb development.

[@vickymyers3804]

@@GardenerScott So true when I inherited the farm I put years old stuff from the barn area into my beds. My radishes shot up 7 foot tall, bloomed , went to seed and no bulbs.

[@karenshields1878]

Can't you cover the ground where the melons are going to help.warm the soil?

[@GardenerScott]

I've removed mulch and left the soil bare and that will help. I don't want to use plastic to heat soil that might harm soil microbes.

[@karenshields1878]

@@GardenerScott okay I was thinking of a row cover or an old sheet. I don't have that issue here in California usually I have to figure out how to shade everything

[@lukealexander4512]

Great video. Will shredded leaves or pine needles work instead of dried grass clippings? If not, what will work as an initial mulch for seedlings?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes they can, but it depends on the seed. Peas and beans can push through a thin layer of pine needles, but carrots might have more trouble.

[@lukealexander4512]

What about tomatoes?

[@GardenerScott]

Tomato seedlings are also small when they emerge, and might be hampered by thick needles. It's better to get those seedlings growing and add mulch later.

[@lukealexander4512]

Thank you for the advice!

[@brandongreen1177]

What is your water source sir?

[@GardenerScott]

It is a hose from my house.