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In those wonderful James Herriot stories, there is a woman called Mrs Pumphrey, whose spoilt dog is known as  ‘flop-bot’. With a name like that, there is no need for a description. When a tray of seedlings suffers with the horticultural equivalent

.Place a label in each pot if you are growing different varieties. If you are just growing one type, keep the pots in one labelled tray.Soak each pot well and let the water drain through. Then move the seedlings to a warm, sunny windowsill to maintain a

would wreak upon you if you did, but sometimes even when you know that these things are just ridiculous superstitions, it is better to just go along with it. Apart from anything else, a band of vengeful Tinkerbells would cause havoc amongst the seedlings

. Acclimatise them to outdoor conditions by placing trays outside during the day, and bringing them indoors at night.Plant seedlings into well prepared soil, about 20-25cm apart (check seed packet for spacings of larger flowers). Once planted, firm the soil

having to thin out congested seedlings later on, because this releases a smell which attracts the pest.Avoid thinning outCover vegetable beds with fleece, secured at the edges, after sowing carrots to prevent low-flying female flies reaching your crop