Ready, Set, Sow: 6 Steps to Seed Growing Success

1. Fill your seed tray or modular tray with seed compost. We recommend using a modular tray for larger seeds and a traditional tray for very small seeds. Gently firm down the compost to approximately 1/2inch below the rim of your seedling tray.

2. Carefully sow your seeds into the seed tray. For larger seeds plant one or two seeds per module. For very fine seeds gently scatter an even layer over the compost.

3. Cover the seeds with a sprinkling of seed compost and Vermiculite, gently water-in. As a rule, the planting depth is normally to the height of the seed. After sowing, add a thin layer of Vermiculite as this helps to prevent the fungus that causes damping off disease in seedlings. Water-in the seeds using an upside down rose on a watering can or stand the seed trays in water to absorb moisture from below.

4. Label your seeds and cover them with a propagator lid. Using a lid to cover your seeds will help to retain moisture and speed up the germination process. Position your seed tray in a warm, sunny spot, such as a windowsill.

5. When green shoots emerge, remove the propagator lid. Ensure the soil is kept moist, but not waterlogged and when your seedlings outgrow the seed tray, they can then be planted into a larger pot.

6. When the risk of frost has passed, you need to acclimatise your plants to the outside. It is a simple two-week process called hardening off. Firstly, place your seedlings in a sheltered position outside during the day and bring them inside at night. Then, towards the end of the first week, leave them covered outside at night. Finally, a few days before planting them out in the garden, remove the cover at night.

TIP: Once you have chosen your seeds, check for any specific instructions on your seed packet, such as the seed planting depth and sunlight requirements.