Sowing big-impact flowers
Follow Carol’s method for certain seed success
What to sow into At Glebe Cottage we always sow our seeds in half seed trays or, if they’re big seeds, in cell or module trays. If you’re starting from scratch it’s worth buying heavy-duty trays that you can re-use over and over again.
Compost choice We use a loam-based seed compost with enough nutrients in it for the seeds both to germinate and to grow into strong seedlings. We fill modules and trays to the brim and then tamp down. You don’t have to buy a tamper, you can make one simply from a piece of plywood with a handle glued onto it cut from a broom handle. But if you haven’t got a tamper you can also drop the trays onto a flat surface to settle the compost. It needs to be settled, but not too dense, as it’s vital, especially at this time of year, to ensure that germinating seedlings get all the air and light available.
Sowing Sow seed on the surface of the compost, unless it is a substantial size – in which case press it down gently into the compost. Seeds with hard coats, such as ipomoea and sweet peas, germinate better if soaked in water overnight before sowing. Cover with fine grit to help keep seeds in place, prevent compost drying out, discourage weed seedlings and help prevent seedlings rotting around their necks. Sow sparingly, as sowing too thickly often leads to damping off, a fungal disease that can quickly spread through the tray or pot and destroy all the seedlings. Watering Using a watering can can displace seedlings so, instead, stand the container in a shallow tray of water. When the surface grit is soaked and changes colour, lift out the seed tray – as the water drains away, the seeds will be drawn down into the compost. Drain well, then place in a warm, bright place. Bottom heat from an electric propagator helps but isn’t essential – nor is a greenhouse. My mum used to start off all her half-hardy seeds on the kitchen windowsill with great success.
Growing on When seedlings have made their first true leaves, prick them out promptly into a bigger seed tray, modules or individual pots. Bring them on in sheltered conditions until risk of frost has passed and they’re big enough and strong enough to stand up for themselves, then harden them off gradually.