A gardening expert has revealed a common mistake that many people might be making when it comes to sowing seeds – and it could actually stop your plants from growing
You need to take better care of your seedlings if you want them to survive (stock photo)(Image: Jordan Lye via Getty Images)
A single soil error could be stopping your seedlings from achieving their maximum growth potential.
For gardeners who prefer cultivating plants from seeds instead of purchasing ready-grown specimens from garden centres, this period of the year will likely see you nurturing tiny seedlings of your own that have emerged in the seed trays sitting on your windowsill or within your greenhouse.
However, according to a gardening specialist on social media, there’s one particular thing that certain gardeners overlook when sowing their seeds in trays. In truth, it’s such a harmful error that it could genuinely prevent your plant from developing, which means you’ll miss out on enjoying the mature end result.
Toby Buckland posted a video on TikTok in which he emphasised the significance of achieving correct soil levels when filling your containers. He said you might believe you’re economising by using less soil, but failing to fill containers to the top could have serious ramifications for your seedlings.
He said: “When sowing seeds, always fill your pots right up to the brim.
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“I know loads of gardeners who save a few pennies by leaving the compost halfway up the sides of the pot. But you see, the rim of the pot shades the seedlings, and that means they stretch towards the light and they grow a bit like cress.
“They’ll never recover from that. So, top them right the way up so it’s level.”
Toby also advised giving the pot “a good flood” with a watering can until the compost is thoroughly saturated. He suggested you’ll know it’s had sufficient water when it feels “really heavy”.
He went on to say: “If you make sure it’s completely saturated all the way through, you won’t need to water that again until your seedlings are up.”
Once your pot is fully watered, it’s time to sow your seeds. Toby explained they should be sown “thinly” over the top of your soil, before sprinkling a small amount of soil on top to cover.
The gardening expert also shared a clever trick for distributing your final layer of soil evenly. He suggested taking a second pot and using its drainage holes as a makeshift “sieve” to gently shake soil over your planting pot.
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Viewers who commented on the post were grateful for Toby’s guidance, though some lamented that it had come too late, as their seedlings had already emerged and were showing signs of stunted growth.
One viewer remarked: “Oh no! Great tip, but my seeds already sprouted, and are leggy.”
Another added: “Game changer! I’ve been gardening for nearly 50 years; every day’s a school day.”
While a third simply declared: “Fountain of knowledge!”
More tips for growing seedlingsUse a lightweight, well-draining seed-starting mix rather than garden soil, which can be compact and may harbour pests or diseases.Use seed trays, biodegradable pots, recycled containers (like yoghurt cartons), or any shallow container with drainage holes.For healthy, strong seedlings, give them 12–16 hours of light per day. Use grow lights or fluorescent lights if natural daylight isn’t sufficient.Most seeds germinate best at temperatures between 18-24°C. Check seed packets for specific requirements and make sure you have good airflow, too.Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to damping-off disease (a fungal issue that kills seedlings).Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, use a diluted liquid fertiliser (half-strength) every 1–2 weeks.Avoid overcrowding by thinning seedlings once they sprout their first set of leaves. Snip weaker seedlings at the soil line rather than pulling to avoid disturbing neighbouring roots.A week or two before moving your seedlings outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside for a few hours a day in a sheltered spot, gradually increasing exposure to sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures.
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