Trees are the perfect plant, providing a focal point in the garden while absorbing and storing carbon, as well as providing food and homes for wildlife. A well-placed tree will provide shade in summer while letting light filter through to flowering bulbs in spring. Planting a tree in your garden will provide a fantastic focal point, autumn colour and even winter interest, while contributing to the 'forest' of garden trees across the country.

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Growing trees from seed is an easy and rewarding job. The perfect activity for children, you can sow a variety of different types of tree for planting out in a few years time, helping to teach kids how to identify tree seeds and how trees grow.

Sowing one or two tree seeds is perfect for a small project, while lots of seed can be sown for hedging or, if you have space, your own copse. Given a winter cold period, tree seeds germinate when the days get longer in the spring.

You Will Need

  • 1:1 mix of peat-free, multi- purpose compost and loam-based compost
  • Tree seeds
  • Horticultural grit
  • Sharp sand

Step 1

How to grow trees from seed - sowing tree seed
How to grow trees from seed - sowing tree seed

Mix loam-based seed compost with a small amount of peat-free multi-purpose compost and coarse grit. Soak the compost, then sow your tree seeds sparingly on the surface.


Step 2

How to grow trees from seed - spreading sharp sand over the seeds and compost
How to grow trees from seed - spreading sharp sand over the seeds and compost

Spread a layer of sharp sand over the seed, working fast as the pre-soaked compost soon wets the sand and makes it difficult to get it even.

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Step 3

How to grow trees from seed - labelling the seed
How to grow trees from seed - labelling the seed

Write a label with the date, seed source and name of the seed, then press it down into the side of the pot.


Step 4

How to grow trees from seed - placing the pot in the fridge
How to grow trees from seed - placing the pot in the fridge
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Put the pot into a cold frame, where it will get the winter chill it needs to break dormancy before germinating. If your garden is sheltered, put the covered pot in the fridge for a few weeks before placing it outside.


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