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Sowing Seeds
General Tips
Seeds and young seedlings are very susceptible to disease and pests. It is vital therefore to make sure that all equipment such as seed trays, pots and watering cans are clean, and where possible, sterile. Greenhouses and cold frames should be thoroughly cleaned and last year's debris removed.
Do not water seeds or seedlings with rainwater as this may contain organisms that cause damping-off.
When sowing seeds it is best to use fresh compost as old compost may have become contaminated or have dried out. Although Multi-Purpose compost can be used for most seeds a specialist Seed and Cutting compost is preferable as it has a finer texture and a lower nutrient content which won't scorch the seeds. Perlite or Vemiculite can be added to make your own mixture or used as a covering (see the Perlite and Vermiculite information sheet for more detail).
Sowing Indoors
Preparing Seed Trays
Fill your seed trays or pots to within 1.5cm (1/2") of the top. Gently tap the trays on the bench to settle the compost. Water well using a fine rose and leave to drain. The compost will not require further firming. If preferred, watering can be done by standing the tray in water.
Sowing Seeds
Seeds vary in size. Sweetcorn seed is large enough to handle individually but Lobelia seeds are very fine and may need mixing with fine dry sand to help distribute them evenly over the compost. Always sow thinly to prevent overcrowding and damage. Larger seeds should be lightly covered with more compost. As a general rule, seeds should be covered with compost to the depth of the seeds. If you prefer you can use Vermiculite.
Propagation
For germination seeds require warmth, water and air with little or no light and placed in a warm spot. After sowing the trays should be covered with glass or clear plastic to retain moisture and polystyrene sheets or paper to keep out the light. However some seeds need light to germinate - check the seed packet and cover as recommended.
Seeds sown in January or February will need some additional warmth, either in a heated greenhouse, propagator or in an airing cupboard. March and April sowings still require some warmth but it may not be necessary to use additional heat if the weather is mild. Always check the instrucitons on the packet.
As soon as germination takes place remove the coverings and place the tray in a light spot, avoiding direct sunlight, to grow on. Keep the compost moist.
Pricking Out
As a general rule the young seedlings are ready for pricking out when they are large enough to handle. When removing the young plant always pick them up by their leaves and not by their stems. Place in prepared trays or in some cases in 9cm (3 1/2") pots. Again the packet instructions will give precise details. Allow to grow on until they are almost ready for tranplanting.
Hardening Off
Plants that are grown indoors need to be "hardened off" i.e. allowed to adjust to the lower temperatures outside. If your greenhouse is not being used for other sowings, use it for hardening-off by ventilating it as much s possible. Otherwise use a cold frame. In both cases protect the young plants from frost.
Sowing Outdoors
Preparing the seed bed
Many flowers such as perennials and some bedding varieties are sown directly into the growing site. Most vegetable seeds are initially grown indoors or in a seed bed before being transplanted out in the final growing position.
The seed bed should be dug over during autumn or winter with the addition of a soil conditioner such as J. Arthur Bower's Farm Manure, New Horizon Mulch & Mix or New Horizon Garden Compost. It will then require a final turning in spring plus a light application of J. Arthur Bower's Growmore plant food or New Horizon Poultry Manure 10 - 14 days prior to sowing.
The objective in preparing a seed bed is to create a fine tilth i.e. with no lumps or uneven patches. After the final digging the bed should be firmed, ideally using a board and treading down on it to give a good, crumbly surface.
Sowing
There are several ways to sow seed in a seed bed. They can be sown thinly in drills or broadcast over a given area. Sowing in drills enables you to identify your seeds and to remove weed seedlings more easily.
Water in well using a fine rose and continue to keep the site moist at all times, but do not over water. Cover with fleece or netting to protect from pigeons/mice, etc.
Thinning Out
As the seeds germinate allow them to grow on until they are large enough to handle. Remove the excess number of seedlings, taking care not to damage the ones that remain. Leave to grow on and, if necessary, thin again until the remaining plants have sufficient room to grow to maturity.
When thinning out it is advisable to remove the weakest seedlings, leaving the healthiest and sturdiest to grow on.
Transplanting
As a general rule, seedlings need gentle handling during transplanting. The roots are very delicate and any damage could cause the plant to die or grow incorrectly.
Where possible, use a dibber (or a pencil) and ease in the roots. Press the soil firmly but gently around the base of the plants and water in well.
