Here is a short list of handy tips for growing healthy plants. Many of these tips come from gardeners all around Australia.
Tips for Seeds
You can test the viability of some seed varieties by putting them in water. Most seed varieties will sink if they are healthy and viable.
Buy seeds from reputable seed suppliers that label their seeds clearly.
If you plan on storing the seeds, keep them in the fridge with a label that records the date they were purchased or harvested. (Stacy, Forbes, NSW.)
Ensure seeds are dry prior to storing to avoid mould and bacteria growth.
Don’t sow mouldy seeds as they will often grow poorly and can contaminate the surrounding soil. (David, Muswellbrook, NSW).)
Tips for Soil
Avoid over fertilising the soil prior to sowing seeds. Seeds come naturally with all they need to get started.
When adding nutrients and/or minerals to the soil, start with a diluted quantity. (Sarah, Glenelg, SA.)
Aerating the soil by turning it over provides younger plants better a chance of spreading its roots.
Mix through Perlite or small stones to soil for seedlings that require better drainage.
Mix through Vermiculite to soil for seedlings that require access to moisture or if you often forget to water your plants.
Use green manure such as tree leaves and young weeds to naturally fertilise the soil.
When needing good drainage, use rocks under the base of the plant.
Tips for Germination
Never allow the soil to dry out during the germination period.
Follow the sow depth explained in the instructions to improve the germination ratio.
For seed varieties that are sown under the soil, keep them in the dark for the first few days. Then move them into indirect sunlight. This follows a process used by one of the biggest plant growers in the world.
This 13+ minute video from Epic Gardening (YouTube) shows how one wholesale nursery in California produces 80 million plants per year.
For seed varieties that are sown on the soils surface, position them to receive the soft morning sun. (Donna, Forbes, NSW.)
Avoid harsh sunlight during germination so that the soil remains moist at all times. (Francis, Mandurah, WA.)
Don’t overwater or flood the seeds/seedlings, instead provide a regular misting spray two or three times per day.
Try wrapping the seed tray or pots in plastic bags to contain the moisture. Remove once seedlings have sprouted.
Test different methods for germinating the same variety. For example, try the Paper Towel method, soaking in water or for hard seeds try out hydrogen peroxide or gibberllic acid.
For many of Australia’s native species, soaking their seeds in hot water prior to sowing improves germination rates.
Tips for Seedlings
Young seedlings need good sunlight to avoid them growing too leggy. A lack of sunlight will have them stretching, searching and lead to development issues later.
Provide seedlings with moist soil but not too wet.
Position seedlings where they receive the softer morning sun, rather than the harsh afternoon. Gradually increase their access to sunlight.
Seedlings require wind to build strength and resilience. Either use a fan or place them outside as early as possible. (James, Jacob’s Well, QLD.)
Avoid leaving young seedlings exposed to cold outside temperatures.
Tips for Temperature
Use search engines or growing instructions to learn what temperatures your plants can tolerate.(Mandy, Ballarat, VIC.)
Mulch the base of plants to help protect the roots from overnight frosts.
Water plants in the morning after frosts melt to avoid the roots being wet overnight. (Graham, Wagga Wagga, NSW.)
Bring tropical or sub-tropical plants indoors or into a greenhouse as soon as temperatures are set to drop below 5°C/41°F. (Tim, Miles, QLD.)
Protect seedlings as soon as temperatures drop below 10°C/50°F
Increase watering on days where temperatures exceed 30°C/86°F.
In regions where frost is expected during winter, choose plant varieties that do well outdoors.
Tips for Moisture
Smaller amounts of water more regularly is better than big doses every few days.
Research plants such as Rosemary and most Succulents that doesn’t like too much water.
Don’t add too much water later in the day prior to an overnight frost.
Avoid leaving plants in positions where rain run off will flood them. (Christy, Airlie Beach, QLD.)
Setup an automatic sprinkler system and adjust for brief 5 minute misting sprays each morning and late afternoon. Reduce to shorter periods and less often during winter.
Tips for Fertilisers
Use search engines to find information on your plants and what plant nutrients they use alot of.
Make your own fertiliser at home by collecting commonly used products instead of throwing them into the bin.
Check out our Plant Nutrients guide to fertilise plants naturally with commonly used waste products.
Start a compost bin and start adding the vegetable waste, leaves and farm manures. (Amanda, Orange, NSW.)
Dilute any fertiliser when applying to seedlings or young plants.
Tips for Transplanting
When planting bare rooted trees or transplanting most trees add a handful of phosphorus to assist with establishment.
Dig a deeper hole than it appears necessary and loosen the soil to allow for root growth. (Hanna, Bright, VIC.)
Find information on each species about the best time to transplant, how big the seedlings should be and how much spacing is required.
Tips for Climates
In temperate or colder regions, consider purchasing a greenhouse to keep plants protected from frost.
Consider positioning plants to avoid the harsh afternoon sun during summer.
Start seed germination during Middle and Late Winter to maximise the growing season.
Prune deciduous trees during the Winter to encourage robust regrowth during Spring.
Consider an automatic watering system to give your plants reliable access to moisture. Ideal for those trips away during the festive season. (Tenille, Seddon, VIC.)
Integrate the falling leaves of Autumn into your compost bin or crush them up and add them to your mulch. Leaves possess many of the essential nutrients plants love.
Tips for Fruiting
Increase watering once fruit starts to grow.
For younger plants, consider removing fruits before they grow to allow them to develop stronger roots and branches. It also avoids structural damage for when the plant matures.
Consider covering your fruit trees with netting to protect them from hungry birds. (Dawn, Tabulam, NSW.)
Experiment with grafting fruit trees and gain multiple varieties on one plant.
Research plant nutrients that will help boost the fruit harvest. Add any nutrients before or as the flowers start to appear.
Tips for Harvest
Use gloves to protect your hands from any prickles, sap or when harvesting hot chillis or toxic plants. (Mark, Maleny, QLD.)
Wait until a dry, clear day for collecting seeds and harvest immediately after the dew dries out from the morning sun.
Tips on Growing Healthy Plants
If you have any tips for growing healthy plants Contact Us. The Seed Vine will send a free pack of seeds for all tips we publish here.
Just send us an email with your Plant Tip, Address and the name of the free plant seeds you want.