Sowing Seeds vs. Planting Saplings

Growing Vegetables & Flowers

Once you have prepared your soil and chosen the right spot, the next step is putting life into the soil — by sowing seeds or planting saplings. This is the most exciting part of gardening because you are actually starting the journey of a new plant. But Here's the thing: not all plants should be started the same way. Some grow best when you sow seeds directly in the soil, while others need to be raised as small plants (saplings) first and then transplanted.

🌱 Sowing Seeds Directly

Some plants are strong enough to grow from seed straight in the soil or pot. These are usually leafy vegetables and quick growers.

Examples: Spinach, coriander, fenugreek (methi), radish, carrots, beans, marigold flowers.

How to do it:

  • Make the soil soft and moist.
  • Sprinkle the seeds evenly or place them one by one.
  • Cover lightly with a thin layer of soil (Don't bury them too deep).
  • Water gently so the seeds Don't get washed away.
  • Within 5–7 days, you will see small shoots coming up.

👉 Golden Rule:

Small seeds = shallow depth, big seeds = deeper depth. For example, spinach seeds go just under the surface, but beans need to go about 1–2 inches deep.

🌱 Planting Saplings (Transplanting)

Some plants are delicate in the beginning. If you sow them directly outside, they may get damaged by heat, pests, or heavy rain. That's why they are first grown in small trays, cups, or nursery beds until they are strong enough. Then they are shifted (transplanted) to bigger pots or garden beds.

Examples: Tomato, chili, brinjal, capsicum, cauliflower.

How to do it:

  • Buy saplings from a nursery or prepare your own in small containers.
  • Wait until the saplings have at least 3–4 true leaves.
  • Choose a cool time of day (morning or evening).
  • Carefully remove the sapling with soil around its roots (so roots Don't get hurt).
  • Plant it in the prepared pot/bed and press the soil gently around it.
  • Water lightly after planting.

👉 Golden Rule:

Handle saplings like babies — gentle hands, no pulling by the stem.

💡 Spacing Matters

Plants also need their personal space. If they are too close, they fight for food, water, and sunlight.

  • Leafy greens (spinach, coriander): 2–3 inches apart.
  • Medium veggies (beans, carrots): 6–8 inches apart.
  • Big plants (tomato, brinjal, chili): 1–1.5 feet apart.

🧑‍🌾 Beginner's Tip

If you are new, start with direct sowing plants like spinach, methi, or beans. They are easy, quick, and give you confidence. Once you succeed, try transplanting saplings like tomato or chili.

✍️ Practical Exercise for You

Try this comparison activity:

  • Take two pots:
  • In one, sow spinach seeds directly.
  • In the other, plant one tomato sapling.
  • Observe the difference in growth — spinach will sprout quickly, while the tomato will take more time but grow stronger.