TIPS FOR SUPERMARKET SEED

SOWING

Supermarket seeds can fail to sprout if they’re underripe or heat-treated, so test first by pre-germinating them before you sow:

Sandwich seeds between sheets of soaked kitchen towel in a plastic tub and keep them warm in an airing cupboard

Check daily, and once you see sprouts (usually a few weeks) pot straight away

Source grocery supplies from any supermarket; for organic veg try farmers’ markets; and for more specialised veg, try Asian supermarkets