When Should We Plant Seeds?

Is now a good time to plant seeds? How do we know the best time to plant them? How should we do it? (click seeds category for last year's notes). These are the sort of questions which might be troubling novice growers (is it any wonder with all the marketing hype). And not just novices; seasoned growers are even more concerned, though bitter experience has usually provided the answer - that there is no correct time, provided you are properly prepared.

If you want the biggest and often the best plants, it pays to grow them for as long a season as possible. In the U.K. this means extending the season, usually at the beginning when plants are young and can more easily be controlled. From this point of view, getting seeds off to the earliest start obviously makes sense. But take care.

What novices need to understand is that extending the season is not easy.

• Light levels on a window sill can be too low in January and early February - special growing lamps would be required


• Winter temperatures are too low for most seeds - a heated propagator (not the airing cupboard) is usually needed


• Plants grow quickly, so sufficient space must be available to keep them growing free from frost - a point often overlooked by most novices. Protection will be needed until the risk of frost is gone, usually towards the middle or end of May. A greenhouse, or at least a cold frame is almost an essential

Even if you have all the necessary equipment and lots of enthusiasm, there is still another consideration:

Forcing plants usually results in weak growth. I find it far better to let them grow in their own time. And they will if you can be patient. Growing is difficult for those in a hurry.