Sow alpines

This is a good time to sow the seeds of decorative alpines, which require cold before they will germinate, a process called vernalisation. Mix up a free-draining compost incorporating plenty of sand and fill a clay pan over a base layer of grit. Level and firm the surface. Sow the seed thinly. If the seed is tiny, mix it up with some fine dry sand. A thin layer of grit is then applied on top. Place a label on the surface, then cover the pan with a pane of glass. Leave out of doors. SCD