How to sow cotton seeds, in a pot or in the ground?

Introduction

Successfully sowing seeds is an essential step for any gardener, whether beginner or experienced. Depending on the season, the plants to be grown and the equipment available, several methods are available to you: sowing in cotton, in a pot, or directly in the ground. Each has its advantages and specificities.

In this article, discover when and how to use each method, with our practical advice for successful sowing.

1. Cotton sowing: ideal for observing germination

What is this ?

Sowing cotton involves germinating a seed on a damp surface (cotton, paper towel or compress). This is a technique widely used for children or to check the viability of seeds.

Necessary equipment

• A transparent container (box, glass, saucer)
• Absorbent cotton or paper towels
• Water
• Seeds to try (lentils, beans, tomatoes, etc.)

Steps

1. Lightly dampen the cotton (it should be damp but not soaking wet).
2. Place the seeds on the surface, without burying them.
3. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid to keep in moisture.
4. Place in a bright place at room temperature.
5. As soon as the rootlets appear, replant the young shoots in a pot or in the ground.

Advantages / Disadvantages

Benefits	Disadvantages
Very educational	Not suitable for all seeds
Perfect for germination tests	Requires rapid replanting

2. Sowing in pots: to control growth

Why use a bucket?

The bucket allows you to control the environment of young plants before transplanting them. This is the preferred method for tomatoes, squash, eggplants, peppers, etc.

Necessary equipment

• Plastic, peat or biodegradable cups
• Special seed compost (light, fine and well-drained)
• Seeds
• Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle

Steps

1. Fill the cups with moistened potting soil.
2. Make a small hole (0.5 to 2 cm depending on the seed).
3. Place one or two seeds, cover lightly.
4. Pack down and moisten gently.
5. Place in light, at 18–22°C for germination.
6. Keep the substrate moist but not excessively so.

3. Sowing in open ground: natural and effective

When to practice it?

Sowing directly into the ground is ideal as soon as temperatures are mild enough. It is suitable for radishes, beans, carrots, peas, zucchini, etc.

Steps to follow

1. Work and loosen the soil.
2. Make furrows using a planter or a stick.
3. Sow broadcast or in rows, depending on the species.
4. Cover lightly with fine soil.
5. Pack down with the back of the rake.
6. Water with a fine spray.

Benefits

• No need for transplanting
• Plants well established from the start
• Save time for easy crops

To avoid

• If it's too cold
• If your soil is too compact or too wet

In summary: which method should you choose?

Seed type	Recommended method
Legumes, radishes, zucchini	Open ground
Tomatoes, eggplants, peppers	Buckets
Lentils, dried beans	Cotton (germination test)

Semi-Wild Tip

Find ready-to-use seedling kits in our store, including biodegradable pots, potting soil, labels, and reproducible seeds. Perfect for getting started without making mistakes.