Question and Answer: Is it better to direct sow or plant from trays?
Posted: 15th March 2025
A customer from Lyndhurst messaged to ask “Is it better to sow seeds directly into the soil or grow in trays first then transplant?”
Well, the answer, like many things, is it depends! 🤔 Both methods have their advantages, and the best choice comes down to the type of plant, growing conditions, and your gardening goals. I’d suggest that the easier the plant is to grow, the more likely direct sowing is going to be the right choice.
🌾 Direct Sowing (Planting Seeds Straight into the Soil)
This is often the best choice if the seeds are plentiful and easy to germinate, and the plant is robust or dislikes root disturbance.
✔️ Best for: Root crops (carrots, radishes), wildflowers, and easy to germinate annuals or short-lived perennials.
✔️ Pros: It gives a stronger root system in relation to size with no transplanting shock.
❌ Cons: Slower germination, vulnerable to weather and pests, and requires more weeding.
Carrots are easy to germinate, don’t like disturbance, and can be thinned out. Wildflowers are also easy to germinate and robust. Sowing directly into open ground allows the roof system to develop in proportion to the top growth which often means the seedlings are more resilient to drought.
🪴 Planting from Trays (Starting Seeds in Trays Before Transplanting)
✔️ Best for: Tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, lettuce) and flowers needing early protection or seeds that are difficult to germinate. When you want formal bedding designs.
✔️ Pros: Controlled growth conditions, earlier start to the season, and better pest protection.
❌ Cons: Transplant shock risk and more labour-intensive.
💡 The Verdict? If you want strong, natural growth, go for direct sowing. If you need better control and a head start, planting from trays is the way to go! 🌿✨
