Forget all those stories - seeds are programmed to grow. The skills for success with seeds are easily learned and the equipment need not be expensive. You can collect your own seeds from the garden.
Sowing New Lawns A good lawn is the pride and joy of many gardeners.
Autumn is a great opportunity to sow new lawns. You can get a head start and plan to prepare the area well first: and read our guide before you start!
Collecting Seeds Division, cuttings, 'slips'. There are many ways to increase your plants and to carry annuals from season to season. Collecting seed is one method often overlooked.
Some plants seed freely and widely. So much so that gardeners deadhead them quickly before they can takeover the gardens. Other seeds need to be collected. When the seed heads or pods have dried, but not opened, cut or shake them into a brown paper bag, not plastic as moisture is trapped and the seeds go mouldy. Label each bag as you go, it's even harder to recognise seeds than plants!
Clean the seed (remove seed coverings, pods, petals and stems) and store in a cool dry place until ready to sow. Many seeds germinate better when fresh, hellebores often have prodigious numbers of offspring under their canopy as the seed has fallen and germinated fresh, but are reluctant to germinate if even slightly stale.
Division, cuttings, 'slips'. There are many ways to increase your plants and to carry annuals from season to season. Collecting seed is one method often overlooked.