A test

Seed packets have sowing dates on them, eg inside between feb-april, outside later etc
To direct sow outside earlier I was wondering if this would work - sow a few seeds in the flower bed and place a half drinks bottle with small ventilation holes drilled through the side about 2/3 of the way up. That should give adequate ventilation and prevent too much moisture loss and keep the heat up slightly.

I'm going to try it and see...

 

Should work Loofah. I've done this in my veggie patch. Cut the bottom off a 2 litre drinks bottle, unscrew the cap then no need to drill holes. It keeps slugs off the seedlings too.

 

Want to keep the top sealed so the moisture will rise and drip back down but not be overly humid and cause damping off... holes in the side should allow for a through draught?

 

Someone's thrown out all my bottles!! Had to resort to an opaque 4 pint milk bottle which might be preferable as it should diffuse and strong direct sunlight...