seeds without a grenhouse??

I am never very sucessful with seeds for some reason. I think mayne I lose interest! They all seem to germinate ok then grow to about an inch and usually all end up dying.

have decided however to have another go this year. Am going to use clean trays, compost etc but my main problem is that I dont have a green house nor really even anywhere I can put a cold frame so am really limited to windowsills which may just get too cold at night. I do have a spare room but dont know if this would be light enough.I dont want to grow loads but i want to have a bash at some woldflowers and maybe even some perennials or plants that are not the hardy annula type

I am open to any hints and tips if anyone wants to share!!

 

LG. I don't see why you should have a problem. Germination is not too difficult. It may be better to wait till 1st March to sow things. Because if the seeds germinate and grow, it will still be too early to put them outside for some time. But we are nearly there anyway.

A windowsill is the best place - they do need light. Its a good idea to cover the seed tray with a plastic top - this keeps the moisture in and raises the temperature fractionally. Don't worry about cold at night. Even in warmer climates it will get cold at night - so this is normal for a seed. I mist my seeds daily with a hand spray with water and some Cheshunt (copper) compound, which helps prevent damping off (ie young seedlings dyeing from fungal attack).

Once they have germinated you need to rotate the tray every day, as they will try to grow towards the light. When they have two to four leaves, you can pot them up into individual pots. But you still need to keep them inside on the windowsill till its warm enough outside. So beware if you fill all the available space with seeds, you won't have enough space when they are potted up.

You don't need to fill a complete seed tray - you will get far too many seedlings that way. I use a half size seed tray and then seperate it into two with a long label laid on its edge. Or you could just use small pots.

 

ohh ! thanks for that. Now why didnt I ever think of just planting a few in a pot instead of a whole tray full???? why is it the obvious is just that-too obvious!!

and yet I had also never thought about spraying them with that compound stuff either!! grrrr. bimbo alert!!!!