SOWING seeds and growing them to planting stage really is a satisfying task. And it’s pretty easy too (John Clowes writes).

Just buy fresh seeds, fresh compost and then follow the instructions on the pack for temperature and treatment. It isn’t rocket science, but there are a few tips that will help guarantee success.

The right temperature will encourage strong germination and a top-quality compost such as Levington Seed & Cutting Compost will provide just the right amount of nutrients for strong growth.

After that, it’s up to you, but if you follow the pack instructions to the letter you will be blessed with plenty of new seedlings to dress your garden with next year.

It’s time to sow seeds of geranium, lobelia, fibrous rooted begonia and antirrhinum in Levington Seed & Cutting Compost. For best results use clean trays or pots and keep them in warm conditions as specified on each seed packet.

As soon as germination occurs move the seedlings to a position with good light so they don’t get straggly.

New seeds for 2004 worth considering are Thompson & Morgan’s hanging basket sweet pea called “sugar ‘n’ spice”. It is short jointed and produces a fragrant ball of mixed pinks and reds.

Mr Fothergill’s salpiglossis “little friends” produces dwarf bushy plants in a mixture of jewel-bright colours. I am definitely going to try a tall variety of mixed ageratum from Suttons called “timeless mixed”.

Instead of the normal dwarf size for border edging, these plants will grow to around 50cm (20 inches) tall and produce plenty of pastel flower heads that will benefit any border. They also make long-lasting cut flowers for the home.

If you don’t feel experienced enough to tackle seed sowing then you will find plenty of seedlings on display in garden centres around the country.

With these babies you need to move them as quickly as possible into larger growing conditions so that roots, stems and leaves have room to develop.

Find some clean trays and fill with a quality potting compost such as Miracle-Gro Plant & Gro or Levington Potting Compost. Then plant out seedlings evenly giving them roughly the same amount of space. Most trays will hold 24 seedlings comfortably.

Loosen the fine roots from the compost and then hold by one of the leaves to move to its new home. Don’t hold seedlings by the stem, as even gentle pressure can cause irreparable damage.

Once the seedlings are bedded in, water the compost thoroughly and place in a warm, shaded place. Keep the compost moist, but not wet, and your plantlets will soon start growing up and outwards.

Tel: 01992 461895 Fax: 01992 451482

E-mail johnf.clowes@btopenworld.com