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1. Of all the ways to propagate plants, growing from seed is
the cheapest way to generate new plants. Packets of seeds
cost much less than young plants and many seedlings can
be grown from just one packet. Also if kept in the right
conditions, surplus seeds can be stored and used again the
following year. The only drawback in growing from seed is
that it can be a slow process for larger plants like shrubs or
trees. But on the whole it is an economical and quick way
to grow annual and biennial flowering plants and
herbaceous perennials. Here is a quick guide on how to
grow plants successfully from seed.

2. When to sow

3. Unsurprisingly, spring is the time to sow seeds. However, if
you have bought packet seed, it should tell you on the
back of the packet the best time to sow. But as a general
rule those plants that are tender and need to be started
indoors are normally sown in February or March; hardy
annuals are sown in March or April directly into the soil;
and herbaceous plants are normally sown indoors in about
March, or outside later in spring.

4. How to sow

5. Which container you use will depend on the size of the
seed. Usually, if the seed is small sow indoors thinly into
trays. Larger seeds can be sown individually in pots. Make
sure your seed tray is clean and fill it with seed or multi-
purpose compost. If you are sowing directly into the
ground, make a seed bed by breaking up the soil finely
before scattering the seed. With either method, sow the
seed thinly on the surface and cover with a thin layer of
compost. If the seed is very small you might find it easier
to mix it with sand before you sprinkle it. Water the seed
thoroughly.

6. Different seeds need different conditions to germinate.
Some like petunias and snapdragons need maximum light,
so place them on a bright window sill. Some like pansies
or verbena prefer dark, so cover the pot with board or
black plastic. Others need warmth and will need to be
placed in a plastic propagator or plastic bag tied around
the pot. You can now leave your seeds to germinate. Some
take only a few days, other may take weeks.

7. After germination

8. As soon as shoots begin to appear remove any covering
and bring the seedlings into the light, but avoid direct
sunlight. The seedlings will initially produce a pair of
leaves which don't look like the plant's normal leaves.
Wait until a second pair of 'real' leaves has developed
before you prick out the seedlings into individual garden
planters and give them their own space to grow.

9. Never pick up a seedling by its stem as it is easily
damaged. Instead, loosen the soil around the base of the
root and lift the seedling by a leaf when you want to
transplant it. Make sure you water your seedlings
regularly but avoid over-watering. Once the weather has
warmed sufficiently you can 'harden-off' your seedlings
ready to plant outside by placing them in a cold frame or
outside during warmer weather, bringing them inside
again at night.

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