Planting, just like the weather, changes over the seasons.
From planting bulbs and sowing seeds to creating winter containers and hanging baskets, they all have the ideal time during the year.
Growing from Seed
Growing new plants from seed is a miraculous and satisfying experience, and one of the great joys of the gardening year.
Most people associate seed sowing with spring, but in fact it is a task that, depending on what you are growing, can be done throughout the year.
There are various factors which can affect how well seeds germinate and the resulting plants perform.
When things do not go as expected it can be a frustrating situation, so there are certain points to consider and techniques to follow.
Always choose fresh, top quality, purpose-made seed compost
Seed compost such as Gro-Sure’s Seed & Cutting Compost.
This is a super-fine grade blend which ensures closer contact with seedling roots and is enriched with plant extracts for a balanced nutrient supply, resulting in strong germination and establishment.
Multipurpose compost is often too coarse to allow even germination, especially of fine seeds, and the nutrient balance may be wrong.
Using old compost that has been sitting around for months is always a mistake for seedlings and carries an increased risk of introducing pathogens that will damage or kill the seedlings.
Always store seeds properly
Take care of your seeds and they will respond.
If you are planning on keeping a packet of seed longer than a few weeks it is best placed in an airtight, watertight container and stored in the fridge.
Kept this way seed viability can remain high for a year or more.
Consider using vermiculite
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring lightweight material that absorbs moisture and nutrients and releases them to seedling roots.
It also provides insulation allowing healthy seed germination.
This works particularly well with very small seeds; sow them thinly and evenly, making sure they are not too deep in the compost then cover seed trays with a thin layer of Gro-Sure Vermiculite and gently moisten.
Always label your seeds
It is easy to forget what you have planted and when – add the date at the same time as the name so you know how long it has taken for the seeds to appear. Use a purpose-made name plant label, rather than shoving the seed packet into the compost… it will quickly disintegrate or get lost!
Cover your seed tray with a propagator lid or plastic bag after sowing
This will keep the environment consistently moist and warm – the ideal conditions seeds like to germinate in.
Once the seedlings arise and start to grow away, open the bag at one end or adjust the ventilation slots in the propagator lid to allow some air movement.
This will discourage disease and help the seedlings grow strongly.
This information is supported by Unwins Seeds.
If you require more information, please visit Unwins Seeds Website.
Planting Flower Bulbs
Location
Many flower bulbs thrive under shrubs and trees.
They get less rain and light there in winter because of the fallen leaves, and flower bulbs like it this way during the cold season.
After flowering, the trees and shrubs grow their foliage again and the bulbs go dormant.
During the hot summer months, the leaves of the trees and shrubs keep the bulbs pleasantly cool.
Wow Effect
If you want to create a ‘wow’ effect in your garden early in spring, don’t hold back: plant bulbs in large clusters.
The more bulbs, the more spectacular the effect! There are so many options: a large number of mixed varieties and colours, a cluster of the same type of bulbs in different colours, or bulbs of one and the same variety and colour.
Pots
You don’t need a garden to be able to enjoy spring-flowering bulbs.
Planting flower bulbs in pots and containers gives everyone a chance to enjoy the bright, cheerful colours of these stunning flowers.
Plant the bulbs in odd numbers for a natural effect. Do provide some holes in the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to drain away.
Metamorphosis
You don’t need a garden to be able to enjoy spring-flowering bulbs.
Planting flower bulbs in pots and containers gives everyone a chance to enjoy the bright, cheerful colours of these stunning flowers. Plant the bulbs in odd numbers for a natural effect.
Do provide some holes in the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to drain away.
Perennial
Some flower bulbs flower for a season, but there are also varieties that flower every year. These are called perennial bulbs or naturalising bulbs.
These bulbs can be left in the ground, as doing so makes the bulbs larger and stronger. 
In fact, naturalising bulbs even create new bulbs so they will grow in number each year.
Layers
Plant bulbs in layers on top of each other; this is called lasagne or tiered planting.
Since the flower bulbs are planted in layers, the earliest to bloom, such as crocuses, will emerge first.
These will then be followed by the flower bulbs that will flower later.
This successive flowering means that you can enjoy the results for a long time: from January until May, depending on the kinds of bulbs you plant.
This information is supported by Taylors Bulbs
If you require more information, please visit Taylors Bulbs Website.
