Take into consideration what you can grow this time of year – most seed packets have this information, but if not, a website http://gardengrow.co.nz lets you choose your geographical area in NZ and gives suggestions of what can be put in every month.

Think of the space your chosen plant needs when fully mature (do you have a garden, or just a balcony pot), the resources it needs (does your garden area get enough sun; do you have enough water with many areas still suffering drought).

Will you actually eat it? If needs must, I know we will eat what we have, but don’t add the psychological burden in difficult times by growing something you won’t enjoy eating.

Seeds can be either sown in punnets, for later transplanting, or direct in the ground. Again, seed packets will have information on what method is best for your chosen packet of seed.

When sowing in punnets, you don’t have to worry much about the richness of the mix you are sowing into because the seed contains all the nutrients needed for the plant to start developing. Seedling soil is great because it is fine grained allowing easy germination and drains well, but you don’t need fancy mixes and a sifted garden mix or seasoned compost could do in a pinch too.

When sowing into prepared gardens though, it is important to know the secret that all experienced gardeners know – it’s all about the soil – make sure your soil is a good mix, add aged compost and manures and work in a way to boost soil ecology.

General rule of thumb is to plant a seed no deeper than twice its diameter.

Small seeds, like lettuce, mustard, and celery can be scattered on top of the growing medium and thinly covered.

Medium seeds, like silverbeet can be lightly pressed into the soil before topping.

Large seeds, like broad beans and peas can be pressed a bit deeper and covered with at least as much soil as the seed is wide.

TIPS:

• Wet the medium BEFORE sowing.
• Wet the medium AFTER sowing.
• Ensure there’s good drainage.
• Seeds don’t require light to germinate, as a matter of fact, they like it a bit dark. They only need light once they have sprouted.
• Label. Label. Label. Don't think you'll remember... don't put it off till later. Do it AS YOU SOW! Name of plant plus date (so you know more or less when to expect seedlings to emerge).