This DIY seed starting template is a precise and easy way to evenly distribute vegetable and flower seeds in small beds or container gardens. When working with limited space or attempting to maximize harvest within a small footprint, this is a welcome addition to the garden toolkit. Easy to make and use with great results!
Measuring and Cutting A Seed Starting Template
Begin with a flat piece of plywood and determine the size of the space you intend to work in. My original template was for planting radish in a grow bag, and that dictated my cutting measurements.
My overall template size matched the diameter of my grow bag opening. But, if you choose to square-foot garden, for example, you might opt for an alternate shape and size to suit your needs.
Next, you’ll need to decide on seed spacing. Check seed packets for details specific to the type and variety of vegetable or flower you are sowing. Again, I chose radishes and my seed distributor recommended 2 inches between seeds. Grab a ruler and pencil and lay out a grid of 2-inch squares on the seed planting template.
Lastly, use a drill to place a hole at each line intersection. When complete, my small grid had space for 60 radishes. I did not factor row calculation into the grid as this is an intensive gardening layout for small spaces.
As a side note, this template didn’t limit me to radishes only. Because the seed holes are 2 inches apart, and my longest row is nine holes; I can still plant a row of seeds at 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8- inch intervals.
Making Seed Holes In The Soil
When you are ready to plant, even out the soil and lay the drilled seed starting template flat on the surface. I push the eraser end of an unsharpened pencil through the template holes and insert it into the soil below. Depending how deep your seed packet recommends sowing, you can mark the barrel of your pencil to indicated the proper depth. (Take the plywood thickness into consideration, however, when doing this.) It is also a good idea to ensure the soil is soft enough to insert the pencil into before planting. You may need to rake or loosen the dirt prior to laying the seed starting template on top.
When you have finished making all the holes in the soil, do not remove the template. Leave it in place.
Sowing Seeds Using A Seed Starting Template
When using the template, I will plant 2 and sometimes 3 seeds per hole when sowing. Because I am working with a very small space, I want maximum return on my effort. When the seedlings come up, it is easy to snip off crowded seedlings with a pair of scissors; leaving the strongest plant to thrive and grow.
Lay the seeds on the surface of the template next to each hole. When you have placed all the seeds, gently push them into the holes.
At this point, you can remove the seed starting template.
Once removed, you’ll see the seeds in each of the holes. Cover with soil and water-in following seed packet instructions.
Floral Success with Seed Starting Template
I have used this template both in container gardening and in my vegetable beds. These are borage plants that I sowed in a container. Borage is helpful for deterring garden pests and its flowers and leaves are edible. Borage will, however, self-seed in a garden bed so it was convenient and easy to maintain them in a grow bag. I places them near vegetables as a beneficial companion plant. The seed starting template lent to a healthy, dense grid of foliage and flowers.
Vegetable Success With Seed Starting Template
I also sowed radishes in my raised garden bed this year using the same template I used in the grow bag. I now have 60 seedlings neatly placed and healthily growing without taking up a lot of real estate. I also used the template to sow carrots and beets this year. Because of double-seeding in the holes, I have 60 of each variety and plan to do an early fall template planting as well.
Related Links
If you are interested in the seeds I chose for my seed starting template project, here are a few of my favories:
