TIPS ON SOWING HARDY ANNUALS

Frost-tolerant annuals can be started off by sowing now…

■ Hardy annuals include nigella, nasturtium, poppies, cornflowers and larkspur.

■ Prepare your soil before sowing: remove all weeds, fork over, rake and firm down.

■ Put sand in a bottle and line out areas by pouring sand where you’ll sow.

■ Broadcast seed thinly and cover with compost. Water well.

■ For greater control, and to protect vulnerable sowings from any weather or pests, sow under cover at 18C, reducing to 15C after germination. Grow on then harden off before planting out next spring.