Seed sowing and growing seedlings

Many plants can be grown from seed. Their requirements for temperature, light, sowing needs, and aftercare will be clearly marked on the seed packet.

Look out for varieties that are marked as ‘F1 Hybrid’. These have been specially bred to have many more attractive blooms and more vigour than standard types.

Some seed can be sown directly in garden soil, others need to be sown indoors in compost early in the year so that you can have plants ready to flower or crop in the same year.

Seeds labelled ‘Hardy’ are just that and can be sown directly outside in the soil. Seeds marked ‘Half Hardy’ aren’t, in fact, hardy at all, but will be killed if subject to frost or cold weather and need to be sown indoors with gentle heat.