Hey there, fellow green thumbs! It's Steph from Oasis Cottage, here to share some wisdom on getting a jump start on your flower garden as we wrap up the year. Why wait for spring when you can get cracking with some hardy annuals right now? Sowing under cover in autumn is like giving your plants a pep talk before the race begins. Let's dive in, shall we?
Why Sow in Autumn?
First, why are we fussing about planting when winter is fast approaching? Here's the deal: sowing hardy annual flower seeds in autumn sets them up for a blooming marvellous spring show. They'll get a head start, establishing solid roots through the winter, ready to burst into life as soon as the weather warms up.
Choosing Your Champions
Not all heroes wear capes, but our champions do come in seed form. Look for hardy annuals that don't mind a bit of a chill and will germinate without a fuss in cooler conditions. Snapdragons, sweet peas, and calendulas are like the All Blacks of the autumn garden – tough, resilient, and ready for action.
The Playbook: Sowing Seeds Under Cover
1. Getting Set Up: If you've got a greenhouse, mint! If not, no worries – a clear plastic storage box will do the trick. It lets in light from all sides and keeps the nippy weather at bay.
2. Sowing the Seeds: Grab some seed trays or small pots filled with good seed compost. Sow your seeds according to the packet instructions, but don't bury them too deep. A light cover of compost or vermiculite is all they need.
3. Temperature Checks: These little beauts prefer it cool, so aim for around 10-15°C (50-59°F). Too warm and they might get a bit lazy or leggy.
4. The Waiting Game: Germination times can vary, but most seeds will sprout within 14-21 days. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged—think of it like making a good cup of tea—not too hot and not too strong.
5. After the Sprout: Once your seedlings show their faces, ensure they have plenty of light. If they're in a box, pop the lid off during the day for air circulation and to prevent them from getting too damp.
6. Watering Wisdom: Water from below to encourage strong root growth. A tray underneath your pots that allows the water to soak up is the way to go. Keep them damp, but not drowning.
Why We Do What We Do
So, why go to all this effort in autumn? It's all about the payoff. These hardy annuals will be tougher and more prepared for the spring and summer months. You'll get blooms earlier and for longer, making your garden a true Oasis.
No Greenhouse? No Problem!
Don't have the luxury of a greenhouse? That plastic storage box trick isn't just clever; it's gold. It's like a DIY greenhouse that costs less but still does the trick. Just remember to watch them so they don't cook on a sunny day.
And there you have it, folks – your step-by-step guide to getting a leg up on your garden with autumn-sown hardy annuals. So, if you're after a floral feast for the eyes, getting your flower seeds sown now will pay dividends when the warmer weather rolls around.
Until next time, keep those green fingers dirty and your gardens thriving. If you would like to see how I've sown my hardy annual flower seeds this year, my video can be found here: https://youtu.be/H9BP-Su_PYo