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Sometimes, two seeds are sown per plug and the strongest seedling selected, discarding the weaker one. If using a modular plug tray, sow one seed per plug. Larger seeds can be station-sown, pressing each seed individually into the surface of the compost a couple of centimetres (1in) apart in a seed tray.After scattering, sift a layer of compost or fine vermiculite over the seeds. Very small seeds can be mixed with fine, dry sand before sowing to obtain an even distribution. Small seeds can be scatter-sown thinly over the surface of the compost.Many seeds require specific sowing treatments, such as light-exclusion or scarification (scratching or nicking the seed coat), so check seed packets for specific instructions.Fill the container with compost, level, firm gently and water well.These are finely milled and contain few nutrients, which could damage seedlings. Use a standard, proprietary soil-based or soil-less seed compost for seed sowing.Old containers should be thoroughly cleaned before use.Large seeds can be sown individually into 9cm (3.5in) diameter pots.Slightly larger seeds can be sown into individual modules in a modular plug tray, so limiting transplant shock.Small seeds are generally sown into shallow seed trays and pricked out (transplanted) into larger pots while still at the seedling stage.Otherwise, most crops and flowers are started off indoors in February or March, for planting out in May or June when the risk of frost has passed. If you have a heated greenhouse or enough space and light in the house, you can sow some things indoors as early as January (e.g. Perennials live indefinitely, so a slow start pays off in the long run! Some tender perennials, such as cannas, begonias and Diascia can also be sown from seed indoors, but generally take two years to reach flowering size. See RHS Grow Your Own for advice on growing specific vegetable crops.Īnnual bedding plants, such as morning glory ( Ipomoea), sweet pea ( Lathyrus odoratus), marigolds ( Calendula and Tagetes species) and sunflowers ( Helianthus cultivars) can be started off indoors to create flower displays for the summer. Some, like celeriac, need a long growing season to bulk up, so are best started off indoors rather than direct outdoor sowing. Many vegetables, including tomatoes and runner beans, can be started off indoors. The RHS websites Guide to Seed Sowing Indoors:

When they have grown into young plants, they can be planted outside in the garden or vegetable plot once the weather is warm enough. Sowing seeds indoors allows tender plants to be started off earlier in the season.