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Hints & Tips
Sowing Indoors - Easy Method
Sow the seedlings Relatively thickly in a large seed tray (average size about 38 x 24cm), filled with a mix of multi purpose compost and sharp sand or perlite (3:1). Place the tray or pot in a well-lit area, though not in bright direct sunlight. A windowsill or conservatory can be ideal. |
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They’re germinating, now what? Give yourself a pat on the back, marvel, count them, phone-a-friend. Then remove the propagator lid or plastic covering. Seedlings need bright light and moisture to develop healthily. Excessive direct bright light can scorch them. Turn seedlings on windowsills regularly to prevent them being drawn to one side all the time. Water the tray sparingly. |
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Preparing them for the outdoor life When the seedlings are about 2.5cm tall harden them off over a period of a few days. This usually involves putting the tray outside for the day, and bringing them in at night, for 4 or 5 days. If you have a cold frame use that, opening the lid during the day and shutting it again at night. |
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To complete the mission Plant them in their final location. Take the whole block out of the tray and cut it into small squares with a penknife or sharp knife. Then plant them out in clumps where you want them to grow, (after the last frosts if they are not hardy). Be sure to take precautions against slugs! |
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This is a particularly good method if your soil is heavy (a clay type) and lies wet in early spring. We saw the idea of sowing annuals this way in the late Geoff Hamilton’s Organic Garden Book.
