Vegetable Seeds

It’s always a good idea to buy fresh vegetable seeds every year to see the best germination rates. However, if you do want to hang on to your seeds for next year, always check the back of the packet to find the appropriate storage instructions specific to your variety. 

If you decide to store your seeds for next year, make sure you keep them in a labelled packet or airtight container. Keep your seeds at a constant low temperature away from heat and moisture. 

When to plant veg seeds

Sow your vegetable seeds in spring. Sow a second flush of hardy vegetables like cauliflower seeds and kale seeds to plant out during summer and provide a crop in winter. For cut and come again crops like spring onions and herbs, extend your harvest time by sowing fewer seeds every two weeks during spring. 

Sow hardy leaves like lamb's lettuce up to October. Use our handy chart to find out what to sow in the garden this month. Get a longer harvest period from your plot by sowing your summer and winter veg at the right time in the year. 

How to plant vegetable seeds

Sow your vegetable seeds carefully onto a tray full of damp seed compost. Ensure that the seeds are scattered evenly across the tray. Water your seeds from the bottom by placing the seed trays in trays of water. Alternatively, sow your vegetable seeds directly outside into the garden. Rake the soil to carefully remove any rocks or stones that could get in the way of your seeds germinating. Lightly create a line in the soil using the end of the rake. Evenly scatter your veg seeds down this line before lightly covering and watering with a rosette water can.

Sow small seeds like lettuce on top of the soil surface where they’ll happily germinate. Push larger seeds like broad beans into the soil up to your first finger joint. For variety specific advice, find all of our helpful guides on how to grow vegetables, including expert tips on beans, carrots, peppers and potatoes, at Thompson & Morgan.