WHEN I started gardening, all my seed sowing was done on windowsills indoors. A house maintained at around 20ºC/68°F through spring offers the ideal temperature to germinate seeds. Most older houses have good deep windowsills that will accommodate a couple of seed trays or small propagators, but some are better than others. Any bright sill will do, but the best are south or west facing as they offer the most sunlight, and net curtains can be helpful, too.
Regulating the heat
A central-heating radiator positioned directly under a window can present a problem with acute temperature fluctuation and dry air, but this can be overcome by placing pots or seed trays in an unheated propagator. The propagator evens out temperature fluctuations and holds in moist air – but remember to ventilate it regularly once seedlings appear!
Use space wisely
Denne historien er fra January 18, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra January 18, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters