How to Sow Seeds in Modules the No-Nonsense Way

Today's video is a complete guide to how I start seeds off in module or cell trays to ensure the best germination possible for the least effort possible. Sowing seeds is such a wonderful thing to do but it is often overcomplicated, therefore this is the simple method I use to start all my vegetable and herb seeds.
3 Extra tips on to help with sowing seeds in modules:
1- There is no need to rush and try and sow everything right away. I prefer to ease into the new growing season and am patient as I know there is still lots of cold weather ahead.
2- Don't worry if you sow too many seeds in a cell by accident, you can just thin once the seedlings grow
3 - Build a dedicated leaf mould bin (or series of bins) for seed sowing so you can bulk up homemade or multi-purpose compost and save costs.
Containerwise Seed Propagation Trays (currently out of stock): containerwise.co.uk/
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Introduction 0:00
Module Tray Types 0:34
The 4 Sizes I Use 1:38
Compost Options 3:50
Siving Compost? 6:48
Sowing a Module Tray Start to Finish 7:18
Shelving 13:23
Water Saving Tip 14:18
Sowing a Deep Module Tray 16:10
Video Summary 17:50
#sowing #propagation #undercover
How to sow seeds
How to start seeds
Seed sowing for beginners

[@HuwRichards]

Spot the part where I still think it's 2020😂

[@ohiogardener4019]

I saw that when you made the Radish label, but since I do it all the time I decided not to comment....

[@homeschoolontheCroft]

You mean it’s not?? 😲

[@anakano9273]

it's ok, 2020 was actually like 17 years long, and gave us 17 years' worth to worry about ;)

[@kitdubhran2968]

12:50 lol! I do that when writing dates all the time!

[@yolandaanderson8556]

I always think it’s the previous year for the 1st 1/2 of the year. 😄

[@alexrottb]

Ah, all my favorite KZbinrs are uploading seed starting videos - it's one of the surest signs of spring. 😄

[@HuwRichards]

Definitely so😉

[@nelliesfarm8473]

Yeah and now it's autumn and I'm sad summer is over. Gonna try to get a small greenhouse and grow things in winter. I'm in the south.

[@farmyourbackyard2023]

What made me "like" this video: "I never strive for perfection..." This IS the winning philosophy of gardening.

[@jude7321]

Hi Huw I replaced an old vinyl window blind with a new one but I saved the old one to use the slats to make plant markers. it makes about a million! I've been using it for years and they never seem to run out. Just a way to repurpose things for something that they were never meant to be used for. God bless and keep you Jude, from Kentucky ✝️🥀🐴🇺🇲💚

[@lastoftheurgents1965]

I was just thinking the other day 'I havent seen any videos from that Welsh fella lately ' Your vids are so great. Straight forward and to the point with no ego. keep em coming please

[@cedrinabuitrago6722]

I love the idea of a nice firm handshake to be the right amount of pressure :)

[@saschathinius7082]

You together with Charles are my favorites...

[@gulag8735]

Liz is good too

[@vaidehilokare8897]

I like the way you say “it’s such a waste of time / money...😄😄 I quite agree.

[@themajesticbeard1497]

My partner and I have struck gold through finding your channel, Huw. We're committing to a complete lifestyle change come June and we're excited to start our journey into growing our own vegetables. I feel your channel and books will be a fantastic asset to us over the months that follow! Thank you for the amazing content.

[@RickyGallarati]

If I weren't interested in no digging, I'd still watch this channel just for the peace and quiet it gives. Well done mate.

[@user-kp5vd1tg3r]

Yes, I started using my yogurt cups for labels also, was glad you showed that in another episode. Very handy. Thank you. And I am going to just start using compost also.

[@jeannine9066]

Thank you, Huw, I am grateful! I need to keep it simple because I am handicapped and wear out quickly, so I can't afford to waste time on pointless things.

[@chompers11]

I love your channel so so much Huw, thank you for all your continued hard work. I wish I had more friends and neighbors like you around, the world would be a better place

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you! So nice of you :)

[@carlottafontes9575]

Even though my garden is still under 2 feet of snow I am going to start sowing my seeds. Can't wait for spring. 🌹🌻🌼

[@HuwRichards]

I can understand that!!

[@j.reneewhite915]

I appreciate that you are teaching us the necessary basics to grow strong, beautiful seedlings. I'm embarrassed to admit how much money I've spent this spring trying to add all the right stuff to make a quality seed starting mix. You've not only saved me a lot more money but simplified it so I can enjoy the process and expect a good outcome. Thanks so much!

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much Renee! Please don't be embarrased about that, it is very easy to do and I think all gardeners are guilty of it when they first start out. I hope this helps you save a bit of money :) Best wishes

[@lydiaStrugas]

😃 me too🙈

[@plantsmanscorner128]

Excellent practical guide Huw. Overcomplicated is a good description of some gardening advice in the MSM. Having been a been a nurseryman for 50 years it’s nice to see with new technology how sensible information can be distributed. Best wishes....Malcolm

[@aliciathompson7721]

I watched you last year. My seedlings was wiped out before my weather change. Thank you for giving me the courage to start again to get my hands dirty. Lol

[@Silvereagledude]

Just watched this again as a refresher….thanks, Huw

[@gudgengrebe]

This is a fantastically useful video. Very inspiring. Really well presented too … no awkward waffling, short and to the point. You obviously have experimented with everything and I’m confident I can follow all your advice. Thank you very much for making all your videos. I’m always learning something.

[@claudepaquet]

Canadian Gardener Great video, Huw. I appreciate it. Here more 🌨.

[@lori-annallen9186]

Huw! I was so excited to see you had your shelf growhouse inside the larger greenhouse! I am trying that myself this year in the attempt to get my seedlings started a bit earlier. I started some modules inside the house, but now that they have germinated I need to move them out (before the cats can sample them😅) but was worried about the temperature dropping too much. I had heard someone say that each layer of insulated air can provide 10°F of freezing protection, so I figured I'd give it a go.

[@frasersgirl4383]

Your videos are so brilliant. In every way…..❤️💫❤️

[@Violetta1912]

Seriously, I would have filled that tray one pot at a time! So glad I watched this video :)

[@HuwRichards]

Glad I saved you a lifetime of pot filling ;)

[@nataschajudson7509]

Thank you for all the fantastic simple seed sowing tips.

[@shawala9420]

I like your gardening. I watch every video that you Uploads.Thanks

[@Olat2012]

Hello Huw, you’re one of the people that made me try gardening. I have your two books which have been very helpful. Thank you for all the tips as always and wishing you all the best in this new year garden season.

[@n.v.1958]

Thank you. This gives me the confidence I needed with my garden to start up right in a few weeks.

[@kitdubhran2968]

Lovely video. Thanks so much for this! Very in depth and helpful. Can’t wait for more of this series.

[@nme0830]

You are one of my home gardening heroes!! Thankyou

[@susanbrookes8247]

As usual a great video with lots of uncomplicated information. Thanks Huw

[@marion1490]

Just purchased your book, can't wait to receive it! Thank you for sharing your tips and experiences so generously here on KZbin.

[@moodeex3766]

Excellent video, appreciate the not complicating things part. Thanks!

[@Wings91]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! EXACTLY the subject I've been searching for :) Looking forward to the rest of the series! As someone who learns best visually, I really appreciate your demonstration. Somehow I muddle through every sowing season, but I will try not to be such a perfectionist this year, you're quite right, it doesn't happen in nature, even self seeding happens so easily.

[@gaglag1953]

Really enjoyed this video. Very professional and informative for someone like me who is new to gardening. I look forward to your next videos. Thanks Huw

[@courtnez]

It's Nov in Canada and I'm back to watch this again and dream of warmer days and outdoor gardening. Also trolling the comments for sources of these trays in Canada!

[@theirishcountrywoman6218]

Fantastic video Huw, looking forward to the series!!

[@UnusualPets]

I'm really enjoying your videos I've just started last year and it's nice to see a younger person enjoying gardening I'm excited to watch more ☺️

[@stevendowden2579]

always enjoy your videos

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much Steven I am very grateful for your continued support :)

[@FaithHopeLove2011]

Thanks Huw. Bought Veg in one Bed book and fortunately have a lot of pallets handy. Made some beds and it’s been a good way to bring my 8 year old into the garden too. Great stuff. Thanks for these videos. 😊

[@eq6179]

Thank you for your video! (a chinese from Paris)

[@KimmysKitchenandGarden]

I really like them pots I'm going to have a look. I've been looking at them other for trainers you have but now I'm thinking get the other ones 👍 thanks Huw, perfect timing

[@ohiogardener4019]

Another great video, Huw! I will be starting seeds under grow lights in about 2 weeks, so they'll be ready for transplanting into the garden beds mid-May.

[@HuwRichards]

Super exciting!! I will hopefully have the first hardy things planting outside end of this month👌 All the best!

[@Benniboy93]

Really useful. Look forward to the rest of the series. Thanks!

[@dirkvandeveire6102]

Always puts a smile on my face!

[@HuwRichards]

Awh thanks Dirk!!

[@midnull6009]

As somebody who wants to start a community garden (and see how it goes) this is very helpful!

[@kprairiesun]

Good video! Gardening 45 years and still got some good information from it! Funny, I also figured out to use plastic cottage cheese container strips as plant markers. They didn't work as well outside in the ground, though. Bent too easily. Thank you!

[@janecarver9672]

Loved this one thanks Huw

[@marisaworsley2241]

Hi, thanks a lot for your very good simple ideas... I just loved it.. i planted some seeds today...,still very cold in Massachusetts... I’m keeping them inside... I admire you!

[@1s1lee]

Thank you, you wonderful human being.

[@Fran-ou7zf]

Thank you for another wonderfully informative video!

[@agtbruinsman7190]

Between Charles Dowding,The Weedy Gardener, and You, I am finding enormous advise to carry on my no dig gardening with great success. Keep up the awesome videos. Cheers from Andy in Niagara Region Ontario Canada

[@elizabethflynn8455]

Ah, good man. This is great. I've been gathering toilet roll inserts for the beans because the deeper trays don't last. So fantastic to see the modules you have.

[@HuwRichards]

Thanks Elizabeth! Both the roll inserts and deep modules work excellently for broad beans :)

[@elizabethflynn8455]

@@HuwRichards they do indeed. 🙂

[@_cephalotus4187]

Wish I could find modules like this in Germany

[@wobblybobengland]

@@_cephalotus4187 GREEN24

[@_cephalotus4187]

@@wobblybobengland Thanks a lot, this was very helpful, will check that right now!

[@ErnestoSun]

Calm, informative, pro! 👍🏼🌱

[@stacyfelton5588]

Thanks for the video, even tho it was basic it really does help. So inspiring , great .

[@avechristusrex31]

Thanks for great advice!

[@melissagoodwin2602]

Appreciate this video, definitely give me another option for my seedlings.

[@shirleysmith9353]

Well done video! So many practical ideas. Thank you.

[@BlackDogDesigns]

Thank you sow much Huw, I love your videos👩🏼‍🌾

[@clarkl4177]

Outside with my potting bench, sowing seeds and labeling with Yogurt containers and about to place them onto a grated screen😃So grateful for your confirmation on much of what I'm doing--and informing me in the things I DON'T KNOW 😬

[@jamiecurrie5828]

Great advice and enjoying your Veg in One Bed book too....many thanks!

[@stoffmeister7095]

Just slapped together a bunch of seeds and soil, watching this made sure I didn't forget about anything

[@anitabrzozowska7204]

Thank you for such a great video. Good to see you again. It’s still a bit frosty and snowy here in Warsaw and I can’t wait to do some siwing 😊

[@teresaoftheandes6279]

Thank you Huw this was very helpful👍

[@roxanadcortessoto6440]

Thanks for all your knowledge and special for sharing with us!

[@HuwRichards]

My pleasure Roxana! :)

[@marketavithousova6508]

I've thought that "yoghurt labels" were my brilliant invention! :D Every year I ask my office colleagues to collect all big yoghurt pots from their households. I do give them second life as plant pots since they still serve perfectly well to this purpose. Couple years ago I accidentally broke one so changing it to labels seemed reasonable so I've been doing it since then. Obviously this idea seems reasonable to more people, especially to those who do not like to waste (both money and natural resources) ;) It would be lovely to see more "eco-friendly" gardening tips from you in the future, thanks for all valuable content.

[@RiverPlaid]

Thank you Huw, I am from Charleston,SC in the USA and I love your channel.🍄

[@HuwRichards]

Awh amazing Denise thank you so much for watching and commenting! Have a great day😊

[@dawnl1422]

Great video Huw. I’m a newbie and am looking forward to the rest of your series 😊🌱

[@HuwRichards]

Awesome! Thank you so much Dawn!

[@momonwallstreet]

Thank you for all the great tips. Nice to know that starting seedlings in home made compost is a possibility. I find it a challenge to find good seed starting mix around here (Upstate NY), since a few good garden centers have closed in recent years. Being in zone 5a, with temperatures still below zero in my bubble wrap insulated greenhouse - no heating- I have to start my seedlings indoors under grow lights. Your method looks like so much more fun, actually being outdoors. Beautiful backdrop to your garden too.

[@gareths100]

Great clip Huw, love the content level in this one. Id be very interested to see a specific clip on propergating onion sets. Yours look fantastic, I can never get mine like that

[@CupcakeBaker1982]

I love the cardboard idea! Never thought of that before! Thank you Huw xx

[@HuwRichards]

My pleasure Kat! Have a great season :)

[@scheralgreider5406]

We have a place a few miles from where I live In the US that uses the "stuff" from the local zoo to make compost. It is really great and fairly inexpensive. They market it by calling it, "Zoo Brew." You can purchase it by the truck load or by the bag.

[@HuwRichards]

That is cool!

[@tracyleal2609]

I hope it’s well aged. So many diseases can jump from animals to humans.

[@scheralgreider5406]

@@tracyleal2609 it is well aged.

[@laurenh1810]

Yes! Love the yoghurt pot idea. I’ve been trying to think of things I could use for labels as I don’t want to buy any. Thanks for the tip!

[@shawala9420]

I use yogurt pots for seedlings.

[@chrissym1946]

Pinterest has had printable labels for all my needs so far. I print em out and glue em on. Good Luck!

[@DonnyLisa1]

Thank you Huw. I am currently reading your book, “Grow Food for Free” and am learning much from you!

[@HuwRichards]

Awh wonderful! Thank you so much!

[@wesleydavis8786]

Excellent video! I learned a lot from that, thank you

[@lindab2516]

Some great ideas! Very helpful

[@mel_g]

you are describing things great. keep it simple & longterm, like that. much garden love from graz/austria 🌱

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much! I really miss Austria! I usually go every winter...

[@mel_g]

things will change. i promise 😇

[@sarahconstantine6381]

Very useful video thank you. Can't wait for the next one.

[@michaelmcclafferty3346]

A very helpful video, thanks Huw.

[@HuwRichards]

Pleased to hear it Michael :)

[@clynthia0510]

I'm in Baton Rouge Louisiana USA. I really like this tutorial on starting seeds this way. I started seeds in a seed starting mix and they were up in a few days. Weeks have passed and nothing else happened. They were stuck. Someone said that the mix didn't have enough nutrients to get them to the next stage. I'm sad and discouraged. I will start over again and lay cardboard on top of the trays. Thank you.

[@petertalevski2506]

Great simple video

[@cruella8501]

Great info for a first timer!

[@LifeWithMrsB]

This was so helpful! Out in the garden planting up some things today with the kids :)

[@ethanmcdonald5899]

You and david the good are my favorite gardeners :) and red gardens also. Thanks for all you do. And God bless you, the good Lord is coming back soon as he promised. We see the fog tree blooming he is coming soon

[@pamelavance648]

Looking forward to your garden coming alive through the season

[@HuwRichards]

Hahaha me too!!!! Perhaps a little too excited!!

[@pamelavance648]

@@HuwRichards excited is feel good energy Happy gardening to you

[@bridgetmiller117]

So good to know. I'm at my first time to sowing seeds and I was all worried about what kind of soil to start them and how expensive seed starting soil is when I have my very own homemade compost in my backyard the entire time. This is such a great video that I found! I'm sooo glad that I can surely use my own compost now that I learned that you do. In the back of my mind I was worried that if I did use compost that it would be too harsh on the seeds but I guess not huh. Thanks a lot for the very informative video that ultimately has saved me money. New subscriber for sure!😀

[@HuwRichards]

Awh thanks Bridget!! I am so pleased to hear this has been very helpful for you and I hope you have a great growing seaosn!!

[@callmedc]

Happy growing ! Great video as always :)

[@HuwRichards]

Awh thank you and happy growing to you too!:)

[@chaddamp2894]

Great tutorial thanks !!

[@HuwRichards]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@LindaPenney]

Awesome update my friend

[@lindalee601]

Thank you. Very informative video. 🌻💕🌻💕

[@imawip]

Greetings and gratitude from across the pond! I love your channel ❤️ Been gardening for years but have never started everything from seed until now. Seed companies in Canada are swamped and running low on supply. I'm grateful for the courage you've given me to have a successful 2021 ;)

[@sjt4689]

Order from the US, Russia, Ukraine etc. Much easier, fast shipping, great prices, no limitations on buying larger quantities either. I've given up on Canadian seed companies. They're ridiculously bogged down in bureaucratic nightmares of their own making, as is typical in Canada with everything. Baker Creek seeds in the US rocks FYI.

[@imawip]

@@sjt4689 thanks for the tip!

[@xSunshinex4206]

Really good info thanks. I wish those trays were available outside of the UK.

[@christiansmith6766]

Hi Huw really excited about growing vegetables in 2022 :)

[@borntobe4419]

Just getting into gardening, simple blissful!! Idk what took so long

[@Ekok9]

Hi Huw, do you also have a video on how to storage and/or process high amounts of harvest? I’ve just been following your channel for a couple of months now and get loads of inspiration from them. Thanks!

[@tamathamavraides5532]

Wonderful video thank you kindly

[@davidweale9621]

Containerwise great to deal with.

[@JustClaireGrace]

New subscriber here! My husband and I are starting to grow our own food this year. Starting out small, with reasonably easy to grow (apparently!) veg this year. I'll be looking through your videos for where to start with making a garden and what to grow/when to grow. Thanks for the great videos.

[@HuwRichards]

Awh thank you so much and I wish you the best of luck with your growing season! :D

[@Silvereagledude]

Good stuff, man!

[@blancaestelarivera3711]

Hola!!! Buenos días! Muchas gracias Huw!!! 😃

[@HuwRichards]

Gracias!! :D

[@paulsonap6]

One of the best videos on sowing seeds in modules I've seen. Your tips are fabulous. One question: Why does the potting soil not fall through those large holes at the bottom of the modules?

[@Thelmageddon]

Because it's firm and moist 😁 If it were dry and loose it would 👍