It might seem nearly impossible to successfully plant very tiny seeds, especially when planting the same type in the past without success. They are either washed away by rain, or they blow away with the slightest breeze. Do not avoid planting certain types of seeds because of their size. It is possible to grow hardy plants from very tiny seeds using a few simple methods.
Start them Indoors for Best Results
By far the easiest way to successfully plant very tiny seeds is indoors. Give them a good start by planting them in rich organic starter soil. They will not blow away or end up in a torrential downpour and somewhere down the street. Starting them indoors will allow you to completely control the environment. Once they grow into seedlings, the planter can be placed outdoors for a half hour each day to strengthen the stems. After the stems are strong and the plants are a little larger, they can be transplanted into well-worked organic soil in their final location. The size of the seeds really does not matter when starting them indoors. It is the level of care that counts.
Dampen and Work the Soil Before Getting Started
If you want to plant very small seeds outside and directly in a flowerbed or garden, you can still achieve success. Wait for a relatively windless day, and dampen and work the soil before getting started. Damp soil will help to hold onto very tiny seeds, especially if the dirt has been sufficiently worked. It will offer small nooks and crannies for the seeds to latch onto. Simply sprinkling them on dry hard ground will not work. They will ultimately blow away or become washed away the very first time that it rains.
Use a Salt Shaker to Distribute Very Tiny Seeds
It is important to maintain control over very tiny seeds, and sprinkling them straight from the pack is not the best method of distribution. Use a clean dry salt shaker to disperse very tiny seeds. They will come out slowly and more evenly than they would when attempting to sprinkle them from the pack. Store the shaker especially for planting purposes. You will always be ready to plant mint, baby’s breath, forget-me-not seeds and all of the other little varieties that could otherwise become lost in a sea of rain, wind and soil.
