For years, my gardening approach has been to scatter seeds and await the delightful surprises that emerge. It’s a rather laissez-faire method that adds a fun element of unpredictability to my yard. While Grumpy Gardener might disapprove, this relaxed technique has led to some unexpected and rewarding outcomes.
One year, I reaped a bountiful parsley harvest without intentionally planting any parsley seeds. Typically, my garden yields a charming mix of zinnias, cosmos, coneflowers, and pollinators, creating a vibrant meadow effect. However, my approach often results in uneven growth, with some areas overcrowded and others barren, leaving me with insufficient blooms for a vase.
To bring more order to my garden this year, I decided to supplement my usual loose seed packets with Burpee seed tape. This specialized tape comprises thin paper embedded with seeds, which can be directly planted into the soil and kept moist for sprouting. In just under 10 minutes, I was able to plant six neat rows using the seed tape.
The advantages of seed tape include precise seed placement in evenly spaced rows, preventing bald patches in the garden. It also helps avoid overcrowding and nutrient depletion that may occur when too many seeds are planted in one spot, especially with small seeds or wildflower mixes. While the true impact of seed tape on my garden remains to be seen, I’m already witnessing promising results with well-organized rows of sprouts.
(Source: Adapted from an article on Southern Living)
