Sow soon for success

You can start sowing seeds now in a propagator or on a warm windowsill – and the sooner, the better, says Bob

- Bob Flowerdew

FOR many years, it has been accepted wisdom that it’s foolish to start sowing too soon. We argued that early seedlings were poor, drawn, and soon surpassed by those sown later. But breeding has improved many plants and some perform better than they did in the past.

Of course, it’s not practical to sow tender plants unless you can be sure you can keep them warm enough. But with a propagator – or at least a warm, sunny windowsill – it’s worth having a go with mini all-female cucumbers. These are so willing and so rapid they give you their first fruits by Easter, then more every couple of days or so for months. Seriously, these are much more productive than you would believe, and on relatively small climbing plants.