Most annual seeds will germinate on the windowsill, but having a small propagator with a bit of heat in the soil really increases the chances of success. They are pretty reasonable to buy from garden centres.

My only reservation for growing the tender annuals early in the season is that the weather will still be too cold to put them outside to harden them off when they get to a decent size.  A makeshift cold frame can always be constructed out of glass or plastic sheeting to protect the tender plants from any frost. Most vegetable seeds can be planted straight outside if you are short of propagating space.

When you are looking for your favourite seeds in the shops, make sure that the packets aren’t damaged and the sow by date is still valid. There shouldn’t be a problem with this as, horror of horror, the large seed companies empty the shelves at the end of every year and burn all the unsold stock -a waste of course, but it does ensure you are getting this years stock,which will ensure better viability.

Pick good quality compost that is very fine grade to sow the seeds. If you don’t have seed trays to plant into then try being inventive with different types of containers. I have used sliced plastic milk cartons in two putting drainage holes on the bottom and they did all right.

 Some people recommend using old egg boxes to plant into. I have always had problems with these though and everything that I tried to grow went mouldy on me, so I wouldn’t advise you using those. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to get you started. The seed packets will tell you their exact requirements.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SEED SOWING:

Always use fresh seed compost.

Always use clean seed trays and containers, this will prevent all sorts of nasty diseases

Always label the seeds, I didn’t one year as I thought I’d remember…. I didn’t.

Don’t let the seed dry out.

Don’t keep them too wet, this also causes the seed to fail or damp off.

Watch out for predators, slugs and snails can get practically anywhere!

Improvise with containers to give the seeds the correct environment to flourish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, even the experts in gardening can’t always agree on the best methods for germinating seeds.

Finally…. they wont grow if you don’t sow them!

Don't be put off if you leave the sowing until the last minute. Plants have a habit of catching up and a late sowing of seed with see dramatic growth.