Sowing seeds early in the year can reward you with plants that’ll flower or crop earlier than usual.
To boost your chances of success, there are several things you can do to counteract the effects of low light levels and stuffy indoor temperatures – both of which can encourage damping off.
This fungal disease can sweep through trays of seedlings, usually attacking them at roots and the bases of stems, causing them to topple over and die.
When you’re ready to go, check out 10 seeds to sow early in January.
Take a look at these handy tips for sowing seeds early.
Practise good hygiene
Wash pots, seed trays, propagators and anything else that comes into contact with seeds and seedlings thoroughly, then rinse with greenhouse disinfectant.
Use new compost
Don’t use up old bags that have been lying around outdoors, even if unopened. For best results, start a new bag of compost.
Blend your own growing medium
Create your own special growing medium for particular seeds by adding vermiculite, perlite, and/or silver sand or fine grit.
Use fresh seeds
Start with new packets of seeds as these germinate fastest and more seedlings result – old seed may not come up at all, wasting time and resources.
Pick the right location
Reserve a bright, warm windowsill where the temperature stays fairly steady (and the pots won’t be knocked over) but which is easily visited everyday.
Water carefully
Water seeds in after sowing, then water them as sparingly as you dare after that, but don’t let your seedlings dry right out. Check them daily.
