- Cardboard egg cartons make great seed pots. Each segment is the ideal size that can be transplanted into the soil without damaging the roots.
- Make a simple propagator by sowing seeds in a seedtray and covering with a sheet of glass or polythene. Don't place place them too close to a south facing sunny window when the first shoots appear or you may scorch the first leaf growth.
- Typically small seeds need to be sown nearer the surface to germinate whereas larger seeds prefer depth.
- Don't sow too may seeds together as overcrowding means competition fpr space and they are also more difficult to transplant without disturbing the roots. Plug seed trays are even preferable.
- If sowing outdoors, remember that it is the temperature of the soil that is important even if the sun is breaking through. Don't sow seeds if the soil is too wet either.
- If you are not sure if the soil is damp enough before watering, stick your finger in the soil! The soil should be damp at the finger tip when half your finger deep.
- Deep soakings of seedlings in the early morning or evening are better than little watering more often. The roots of seedlings prefer to delve deep into the soil for moisture, making healthier plants. Surface moisture quickly evaporates in the heat, so wait until it is cooler. However, don't water in the evening if frost is expected.
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