Growing equipment

Sowing your own vegetables, herbs or flowers is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. However, a successful and bountiful harvest begins long before the first seedlings are planted out into the ground. With the right growing media, you can give your seeds and cuttings the very best start. Whether you want a windowsill full of basil or are planning to create a large vegetable garden, good growing media makes all the difference between a weak seedling and a strong, healthy plant.

Essential supplies for sowing and growing

To ensure seeds germinate successfully, you’ll need a few basic items. Good preparation ensures your young plants will be strong enough to make the transition to the outdoors.

• Seed pots and trays: For a well-organised start, use seed trays or individual pots. Opt for reusable plastic trays for efficiency, or choose biodegradable peat or compressed pots. With the latter, the roots can grow through the pot wall, allowing you to transplant them whole without damaging the roots. 
• Seed and cutting compost: Ordinary potting compost is often too coarse and contains too much fertiliser, which can burn the young roots. Specialised seed and cutting compost has a fine texture and a balanced nutrient content for optimal germination. 
• Plant labels and markers: If you’re sowing several varieties, it’s easy to lose track of them. With waterproof plant labels, you’ll still know exactly which variety is growing in which pot weeks later.

Why invest in high-quality growing equipment?

Using sturdy growing equipment not only gives you stronger plants, it’s also much more convenient to use and is often better for the environment. Invest in sturdy growing trays and mini-greenhouses that will last for years, or make a conscious choice for eco-friendly and compostable alternatives. Get your vegetable garden or flower season off to a flying start. Browse our full range of growing equipment, combine it with your favourite seeds and bring a touch of spring into your home today!

FAQ

• What is the difference between ordinary potting compost and seed and cutting compost?
  Ordinary potting compost has a heavier texture and contains too many fertilisers for delicate seeds, which can cause young roots to ‘burn’. Seed and cutting compost is specially formulated: it is lighter, has a finer texture and contains fewer nutrients, providing the perfect base for successful germination.
• When is the best time to start sowing in a seed tray? 
  This depends on the type of plant. For heat-loving vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and chillies, you can often start indoors in a seed tray or mini greenhouse as early as February or March. For other varieties, it is better to wait until April or May. Always check the sowing calendar on the back of the seed packet for the exact timing.
• Why are my seedlings growing very tall and thin (lanky)?
  This phenomenon is also known as ‘leggy growth’ and occurs when seedlings receive too little light, often combined with a temperature that is too high. The plants stretch out in search of sunlight. In this case, place them in a slightly cooler spot with as much direct daylight as possible.
• How long should young plants stay in a seed tray or indoor propagator?
  Once the seeds have germinated and the first ‘true’ leaves appear (i.e. after the first two cotyledons), you can open the lid more and more often, or remove it altogether, to help them acclimatise. When the plants become too big for their tray or pot, it’s time to repot them into a larger pot. Once the risk of night frost has passed (usually after mid-May), they can be safely moved outdoors.