Starting plants from seed is a magical experience. You place something tiny in soil, give it the right care, and soon enough—life begins! Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to sharpen your skills, there’s always more to learn about sowing seeds.
In this video, our Nursery Production Supervisor, Aaron Selby, shares his favorite tips and tricks for growing plants from seed. From soil sterilization to seed scarification and stratification, Aaron makes it all easy to understand. He also talks about helpful supplies and resources you’ll want to have on hand.
And if you love to learn by doing, don’t miss our annual Sexual Propagation Workshop! It’s a hands-on event where you’ll dive deep into seed sowing, hybridization, fern spore collection, and more. Best of all, you get to take home the plants you grow!
Let’s dig into the basics Aaron covers in the video and why these steps matter for growing healthy, happy plants from seed.
Why Start From Seed?
Starting plants from seed has lots of benefits:
- Cost-effective: Seeds are much cheaper than mature plants.
- Wider variety: You can grow rare or unusual plants not sold in stores.
- Stronger plants: Plants grown from seed often adapt better to your local conditions.
Plus, it’s rewarding. Watching something grow from a tiny seed into a lush plant is deeply satisfying.
Aaron’s Seed Sowing Tips
1. Start With Sterile Soil
One of the first things Aaron stresses is the importance of sterilizing your soil.
Why is this important?
Regular potting mix or garden soil can carry fungus, bacteria, mold, or even tiny bugs. These can harm your seeds or seedlings before they even get a chance to grow.
How do you sterilize soil?
There are a few ways:
- Bake it in the oven at 180°F (82°C) for 30 minutes.
- Use microwave-safe containers and heat for 90 seconds per pound of soil.
- Buy pre-sterilized seed starting mix at garden centers.
Sterile soil gives your seeds the clean, safe start they need.
2. Know Your Seeds: Scarification and Stratification
Not all seeds are the same. Some need special care before planting. Aaron explains two important methods:
Seed Scarification
Some seeds have hard outer shells that water can’t get through. These seeds need scarification, which means damaging the seed coat just enough to help water get inside and start germination.
How to scarify seeds:
- Rub them lightly with sandpaper.
- Nick the shell with a knife or nail clippers.
- Soak them in warm water for several hours or overnight.
Scarification is common for seeds like sweet peas, morning glories, and many native trees.
Seed Stratification
Other seeds need a period of cold dormancy before they will sprout. This is called stratification. In nature, these seeds would go through a winter before sprouting in spring.
How to stratify seeds:
- Place seeds in a moist paper towel, then seal them in a plastic bag.
- Put the bag in the refrigerator (not the freezer!) for several weeks or months.
- Each plant species will need a different length of time.
Common stratified seeds include lavender, milkweed, and ferns.
Aaron recommends checking online or on seed packets for specific instructions.
3. Use the Right Supplies
Growing seeds is easier when you have the right tools. Aaron shares a list of helpful supplies:
- Seed trays or small pots: With drainage holes.
- Clear plastic domes or bags: To keep in moisture and warmth.
- Spray bottle: For gentle watering that won’t wash seeds away.
- Grow lights: If you don’t have bright windows. Most seeds need 12–16 hours of light daily.
- Heat mat: Some seeds, like peppers and tomatoes, sprout faster with a little bottom heat.
Label everything! It’s easy to forget what you planted where.
4. Use Reliable Resources
Want to learn more? Aaron recommends some go-to resources:
- Seed company websites: They often include detailed instructions.
- Books about propagation: Such as The New Seed-Starters Handbook.
- Local botanical gardens and extension services: They offer expert advice specific to your region.
- Workshops like the one we host every year!
Come Learn With Us: Sexual Propagation Workshop
Every year, we host an amazing hands-on workshop all about sexual propagation. That’s the fancy term for growing new plants from seeds or spores (instead of cuttings or clones).
Here’s what you’ll learn at the workshop:
🌱 Hybridization
Hybridization is when you cross two plants to make a new one. It’s like plant matchmaking! You can combine the best traits of both parents—like color, size, or disease resistance.
Aaron will explain:
- How to hand-pollinate flowers
- How to collect and store hybrid seeds
- How to track your crosses so you know what you made
🌿 Seed Collection and Storage
Where do you get seeds? In the wild, your garden, or from friends!
In the workshop, you’ll learn:
- When to collect seeds (timing matters!)
- How to dry and clean them properly
- How to store seeds so they stay viable for years
Aaron shares tips on using paper envelopes, airtight containers, and even silica gel to keep seeds dry.
🌱 Seed Sowing
You’ll get hands-on practice sowing all types of seeds:
- Tiny dust-like seeds
- Large seeds that need scarification
- Seeds that need to be buried vs. surface sown
You’ll leave with confidence—and trays full of your own planted seeds to take home!
🍃 Fern Spore Collection and Sowing
Ferns grow from spores, not seeds. It’s a bit different, and super cool!
You’ll learn:
- How to spot and collect ripe fern spores
- How to prepare sterilized containers
- How to sow spores and care for young ferns (called prothalli)
This part of the workshop is always a favorite.
🪴 Take Your Plants Home
Everything you sow at the workshop? You take it home!
We provide:
- Pots
- Soil
- Seeds
- Labels
- Instruction handouts
By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only have a bunch of new plants—you’ll have the skills to grow even more.
Final Thoughts
Aaron Selby is passionate about growing plants from seed, and he makes it easy for everyone to learn. With just a few supplies, some know-how, and a little patience, you can grow amazing plants from seed—whether you’re into vegetables, flowers, trees, or ferns.
And if you want to go deeper, don’t miss our Sexual Propagation Workshop. It’s a fun, friendly way to learn everything you need about seed starting, hybridizing, and even fern spore sowing. Plus, you’ll leave with plants to show off your new skills.
So get your hands dirty, try something new, and grow something beautiful from seed. 🌱
Ready to learn more?
📺 Watch Aaron’s full video for detailed tips!
🧪 Sign up for our next Sexual Propagation Workshop
📬 Join our newsletter for more how-to guides and garden events
Let’s grow together!