Depending on the variety, vegetable seeds can be sown indoors in pots or outdoors in the soil. At Millbrook we stock a huge range of seeds from the leading seed manufacturers.

Here are some tips for getting started with your seeds...

Starting off indoors

• Growing “indoors” means sowing the seeds in a protected environment such as a greenhouse, cold frame or even on a windowsill. 
  
  
• The key to successful indoor sowing is to keep a watchful eye on the amount of light, heat and moisture the seeds receive. 
  
  
• Half hardy vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers should be started indoors. Other vegetables such as celery and lettuces will benefit from sowing indoors to encourage early crops or large specimens. 
  
  
• When sowing in containers use a specially formulated seed compost and choose a container large enough to allow the seedlings space to develop  – see in store for our wide range of seed trays.
  
  
• Greenhouses are a fantastic asset but not everyone has the space for one. At Millbrook we stock a range of mini greenhouses, cold frames and propagators if you are tight on space.
  
  
• You can, however, successfully raise a small number of plants on a windowsill but please remember they will grow and need much more space so think about this before you get started.

Sowing straight in to the soil

• If you are sowing outside straight in to the soil make sure the soil conditions are just right – not too wet or not too dry. Ideally you are looking for a surface where the soil is fine enough for seeds to germinate. The underlying soil needs to be firm but not so firm that roots will not be able to take hold.
  
  
• In the Spring some earth can simply be raked over to create nice crumbly soil but where the soil is more compact it may need to be forked over first and then raked. Tread the soil lightly so that it is reasonably firm and continue raking backwards and forwards until a good tilth is formed.
  
  
• Seeds are normally sown in a shallow furrow. Having prepared the soil, mark out where the furrow will be and use the corner of a trowel or hoe to make the furrow. The depth will depend on the seed – please check the directions on the seed packet for the depth and spacing between the seeds.
  
  
• Sow your seeds as thinly as possible – overcrowding can lead to poor quality seedlings. 
  
  
• Large seeds such as beans, peas, sweetcorn, cucumbers and marrows can be sown making individual holes with a pointed trowel.
  
  
• Don’t forget to label the rows to remind you of what you have planted where! Take a look at Gardman Terracotta labels – in store for £1.49 each.