1)     Time planting date to meet transplant requirements.

2)     Soil should be sterilized.

3)     Plant seed according to packet instructions.

4)     Keep moist but not wet.

5)     Give plenty of light and air circulation.

6)     Do not shock plants when moving outdoors.

7)     Protect from overnight frost if required.

8)     Enjoy.

1)     Check outside planting times based on Last Frost Dates for your area and determine indoor planting times.

Seed packets and catalogs are a good starting point, or you will find your local garden club has a wealth of information.

This is a good time to make a plan or at least a sketch of your garden. How else will you remember what was planted where?

2)     Use sterile seed starting mix or sterilize your own by heating soil to over 120 deg C for five Mins.

An old electric frying pan or wok with a lid is suitable for small batches. Take care not to burn yourself. Allow to fully cool. Use new plant pots or wash used pots with a mild bleach solution, rinse and dry before using.

3)     Follow planting instructions as specified by seed packet or seed catalog. This information is based on past knowledge for the genus of plant being grown.

4)     Do not over water your seedlings. Some people use a plastic cover to help keep seeds moils, but this should be removed as soon as seedlings show.

One of the worst enemies of seedlings is a disease commonly known as “damp-off ". Good air circulation is the best control.

5)     When seedlings first emerge they need lots of light. A regular, cool white fluorescent tube is best, and should be suspended on a chain within a couple of inches directly above them. This can be raised as the plants grow. Gro-lux type bulbs can burn young plants.

6)     When plants are ready for moving outdoors, keep them in their flats or pots. Take care to watch temperatures, especially at night. Young (and older) plants need to be hardened off at this time. A cold frame helps, or you can put plants out when the air gets warm and bring them in at night when the air gets cold. Only after plants are hardened off should they be transplanted into the garden.

7)     Continue to keep your eye on night temperatures, and if there is a chance of overnight frost, plants should be covered carefully with some sort of protection, to be removed next morning. A staked plastic sheet or even a cardboard box can be used.

8)     Now that your plants are established you can sit back and enjoy them. Just remember to feed according to specific plant instructions, keep an eye open for insects or disease, and frequent your local garden club to share your achievements, and expand your knowledge. Sit back and enjoy your just rewards. At least for a little time. Problems will come and problems wil go……..but that’s another story.

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AK

There is a good seed site in the UK, click "here" for more details.