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Monty Don shares a wealth of tips in this step-by-step guide to sowing seed indoors. Learn about the best compost mix for seedlings, how to cover freshly planted seeds and discover an ingenious method for boosting light levels during the early

and shrubs. If you're new to gardening, limit yourself to growing one or two types of annuals. Sow about 20 seeds to see how you get on. You can always sow more a week or two later.SeedsSeed compost Seed trays or potsPlant labelsPencil or waterproof pen

Free-draining compost or cactus compostSilver sandNewspaperSheet of glassPencil (to prick out)Seed trayall year round20 minutes to sowFill a broad terracotta pot with a moist, gritty, loam-based compost, such as John Innes. Firm down and make the surface level

compost and keep them in a bright place to ensure they germinate.Chilli seeds e.g. 'Cayenne'Good quality seed compostSmall pots x2ClingfilmJanuary - May10 minutes to sow the seedsJuly - AugustFill two small pots with seed compost. Water the compost

Good quality seed compostSmall 7.5cm pots x2ClingfilmMarch - Juneten minutes to sow the seedsMay - SeptemberFill each pot with compost, water it with tap water and leave to drain. Don't use rainwater from a butt as it may contain bacteria, which can cause

Growing herbs from seed discs is a simple alternative for anyone who struggles with sowing small herb and salad seeds. These are filled with seeds for herbs such as basil, chives and parsley, or salads such as mixed leaves, mesclun or rocket.Seed

supply of salad throughout the year. You can sow seeds indoors from March, but from late-May you should be able to sow seeds directly into pots outside.Salad leaf seeds e.g. 'Mizuna', 'Mibuna'Good quality multi-purpose compostLarge flower pot

.springMore on sowing seedsSowing seeds indoorsCollecting and saving seedsSowing seeds outdoorsBrowse vegetable varieties Grow chillies from seed

on growing citrus plantsHow to sow seeds indoors

Video advice on growing salad leaves from seedHow to plant out lettucesHow to deal with lettuce grey mouldGrowing quick salads in gutteringHow to sow seeds indoorsHow to grow rocket from seed