Sowing tree or shrubs seed

1

Take a clay pan or pot, place crocks (broken pot shards) over the drainage holes and fill with well-drained compost ideally with sieved leaf mould and grit added. Press lightly to achieve a flat surface and water if necessary, using a fine rose on the can.

These are freshly collected hornbeam seeds. Remove the seeds from their wings. Snip wings from maple seeds, or squash ripe berries to smear seeds into the compost.

2

Space the seeds out and cover by only their own size with a light dressing of compost.

3

Cap the pot with grit or fine shingle and place where the seeds will feel winter cold but not experience waterlogging. Protect from rodents.