Where do I start? Sowing seed

For beginner gardeners, getting to grips with the fundamentals can seem daunting. But in this 12-part exclusive series, Alan Titchmarsh is sharing his wisdom to help you master the skills that really matter. This month, it's back to basics with one of the most fundamental gardening skills: sowing seeds. Discover how easy and joyful it is to grow both ornamental and edible plants from seed with Alan's expertise

- Alan Titchmarsh

You'll learn about:

• How to sow seeds for success every time

• When to sow for better germination

• How to look after your seedlings

Sowing seed

There is something magical about sowing seeds. After all, how can anything so green, vibrant and full of energy grow from something so small and dry and seemingly devoid of life? But with the addition of water, air and a suitable temperature, the most elaborate and majestic plants can emerge from a pot or tray of compost into which seeds have been sown.

If you've always been daunted at the prospect, make this the year where you have a go. Yes, things can go wrong, but seldom if you bear in mind a few basic guidelines.

Follow the instructions here and on the packet (always worth a glance!) and you'll find that the thrill of raising plants this way is far and away greater than buying them in pots, and a darned sight less expensive, too.

Growing from seed

Plants are planted and seeds are sown.

The latter is a process even older than man - flowers shed seeds and they tumble into the growing medium at the foot of the plant and germinate to continue the survival of the species. When the gardener intervenes, the perfect conditions necessary for survival can be created, especially at this time of year when so many seeds can be sown undercover - in 'protected cultivation' either in a greenhouse, porch or on a windowsill. In such places, when growing conditions can be closely monitored and controlled, success is all the more likely.