SOW SEEDS WITH HEAT
In order to flower and fruit, some plants from warmer climes need a long growing season, so start sowing now
While it’s way too soon to start sowing most seed, some plants from warmer climes need a long growing season in order to flower and produce a crop. To grow plants such as aubergines, chillies, celeriac, peppers and tomatoes successfully, they need to be sown early and given plenty of warmth. This is difficult in January in the UK, so it’s worth investing in a heated propagator or heat mat to maintain an even temperature between 15-21C
(59-70F) day and night.
How to do it
1. Fill trays or pots with seed compost Firm down gently and water with warm water. Scatter small seeds onto the surface of the compost and add a thin layer of vermiculite on top because these tend to need light to germinate. Press larger seeds direct into the compost so they’re buried.
2. Label and cover If sowing in a propagator tray, place the lid on top. If using pots or trays, cover pots with a clear plastic bag and place on a heated mat. Choose a position with as much light as possible. Moisture will build up on the lid or bag, so wipe away the excess every day.
3. Watch for germination When the seeds have germinated, remove from the heat and take off the cover. Too much warmth now will make the seedlings grow leggy and excess humidity can cause fungal problems. When the seedlings have two sets of leaves (seed leaves and true leaves) carefully prick them out into individual pots of multipurpose compost to grow on.
If the seedlings are straining towards the light and becoming leggy, prop up a sheet of white paper or aluminium foil behind the trays to reflect light from the window back onto the young plants. See p77 for how to sow aubergines