Plant and Seed Information & Growing Guides
Detailed instructions are printed on the back of each seed packet, including when and how to sow your seeds.
Information on Australian native plant and seeds,
sowing and growing follow .....
Australian Native seeds
Australian native plants produce seeds that are specially adapted to often harsh environments. Seeds often have "triggers" that send a signal to the seed, indicating that it is a safe time to grow. Triggers can be seasonal - perhaps a certain temperature, or rain, or the seed may simply need time to mature even though it has been shed by the plant. I've found that Australian native seeds don't germinate all at once, even if they're from the same batch, so be patient and don't abandon your seeds when they don't all pop up at the same time; they may just be taking their own sweet time. For me, this is what makes gardening, especially the growing of Australian native plants, so interesting. I've included on the packet germination instructions based on my personal experience. I will also post updates on Instagram and Facebook showing you how my seeds are progressing.
TIPS FOR THE NEW GARDENER
Welcome!
You have a fascinating journey ahead of you.
Remember, "green thumbs" do not exist - they are just people who have tried their hand at gardening, and learnt from their experiences and those of others.
Here are a few of my tips:
- Firstly, don't panic. It is probably easier than you thought.
- If I'm growing a plant from seed that I've never grown before, or may have never even seen before, I usually plant the seeds in a punnet or a pot first, then transplant the seedlings into the garden when they are big enough to handle. I then have a better idea of what the seedlings look like and don't accidentally "weed them out" of the garden!
- If it is a seed that is to be sown directly into the garden (the back of the packet will tell you), like a Poppy for instance that doesn't like its roots disturbed - I usually plant the seeds into a patch in the garden that is weed free, then ring the spot with a circle of sprinkled sand or ice cream sticks. Then, I not only remember where I've planted them, but also know where to look for the seedlings when they pop up.
- I usually only sow half of the seeds in the packet, so that if I make a mistake, or the dog digs them out, I can have a second go at growing them that season, or save them for the next season, or share with friends.
Tips for the Gardener with Some experience
Congratulations!
You'll want to share the joy - send some seeds to friends or try some new seeds for your own garden.
- Why not try to grow some Kangaroo grass. Or perhaps try to grow the tallest Hollyhock in Australia! The record is a 6.78 metre hollyhock spire, set by a gardener in Western Australia. Let me know how you go!
Hiko Tray
Bring Blue-banded bees into your garden
Sense of Adventure
A tray to plant seeds, where there is enough room for the seedlings to grow, before being planted out into the garden. You can find them at the "tip/recycle" shops or specialist nursery suppliers. Not a necessary requirement to grow seeds!
Sense of Adventure
Bring Blue-banded bees into your garden
Sense of Adventure
A state of mind.
Joanne says "it's when you love the garden, you love the unexpected and you're just going to give it a go"