Seed Starting Success: Sow Like a Pro! 🌱

Let's start at the very beginning; a very good place to start. When you read you begin with ABC, when you GROW you begin with sowing a SEED!
When and how you sow seeds makes all the difference to how strong and healthy your crops will be.
Ben's top seed-starting tips will set your growing season on the road to success. So let's get going and let's get SOWING!
If you love growing your own food, why not take a look at our online Garden Planner which is available from several major websites and seed suppliers:
www.GrowVeg.com
gardenplanner.almanac.com
gardenplanner.motherearthnews...
and many more...
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If you've noticed any pests or beneficial insects in your garden lately please report them to us at BigBugHunt.com

[@chamwatkins3482]

I am sure it has been said before but your videos are not only very informative but just pleasant and fun to watch. Thank you for all the work you put into trying to help the gardening community!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for those kind comments - so pleased you enjoy them!

[@goupigoupi6953]

When using trays, I always sow just one seed in each cell unit. I achieve redundancy by sowing 3 times the plants I need. Say, I want 4 plants, then I populate all the 12 cells of a small 3 x 4 tray. Even with old seeds, I end up with at least 5-6 beautiful plants. When time comes to plant them outside, I offer the excess to some friends and neighbors, they never go to waste.

[@GrowVeg]

That's the way to do it - share the bounty.

[@YesiPleb]

That's what I'm doing in this, my second year of growing anything and my first year of sowing seeds as I've got a primary school next to me and last year I gave them some courgette plants. I didn't realise how big they grow or how much fruit they produce.

[@dawnfels7322]

Yes, I do one seed per cell, as well, thinking if I plant 12 seeds, surely 6 will work out. (Similar to my photography strategy.) Do I need 6? Probably not, so I share.

[@DJSAYBR]

Yea. My problem isn't having enough room for seedlings, my issue tends to be having room for all the pots of my baby plants after they have started growing (zone 2 so a very late season start)

[@rollandjoeseph]

@@DJSAYBR plastic cups are cheap and you can reuse them over, just make sure to put holes in the bottom of them

[@janinebean4276]

Putting the seeds on top of an appliance for warmth is so smart! I never thought of that!

[@gingerkissed]

I love how gardeners all over the world have a favorite stick they use for planting. 😄

[@caneandabel]

Aww Ben’s so lovely. I wish he was my neighbour and I could chat to him over the garden fence 😊

[@joj1252]

Forget Christmas 🎅🏻 I think this is the most wonderful time of the year 🤣 seed starting is the best feeling of hope & new beginnings for the new year. There’s nothing better than getting your hands in the soil again & the smell of damp soil when you open your greenhouse!!! Great video as always Ben 👍🏻 happy gardening everyone 🌱☀️👩‍🌾💚

[@GrowVeg]

Too right Jo - it's like Christmas all spring in that respect!

[@bloot_0]

I agree!

[@Alfamoto8]

Better or not from Christmas I don't know. But for sure we are blessed with an extra period of joy and harmony in our calendar where others don't like or haven't yet discovered... Cheers to all gardeners out there...

[@yixiuchan]

Ben, you are a national treasure. Nay, a global treasure! Not only are your videos incredibly clear, educational, and accessible, you also radiate such a genuine warmth. It’s like the very best of the Great British Bake Off, but for gardening. Thank you!

[@GrowVeg]

That's incredibly kind of you to say. Thank so much for watching!

[@ALMill11]

This guy is adorable and he just saved me from purchasing some unnecessary clutter. I was looking at buying some seedling heating mats but have never used them and didn't know if they were worth the cost. I also just decluttered and am averse to buying things I don't absolutely need. My seedlings will be going on top of my giant, American fridge in my kitchen. Thanks!

[@GrowVeg]

On top of that fridge should be nice and snug! :-)

[@mjk9388]

Pro Tip: Put painters tape over your seedling label and then put the name of the plant on the painters tape. When the next season comes, just put another piece of painter's tape over the last. You'll save a lot of seed labels. Like this comment if you find it useful.

[@GrowVeg]

Brilliant idea!

[@mjk9388]

@@GrowVeg I learned about this tip from the Plant Abundance Channel.

[@46FreddieMercury91]

You can make seed labels from used ice cream or margarine tubs. Just trim with scissors

[@mysterykiwi5560]

Depending on what kind of pen you're using, you can just use some rubbing alcohol to rub the text off

[@Twobirdsbreakingfree]

@@46FreddieMercury91 you forgot about used yoghurt tubs

[@christianerardt3705]

I gave my first seeds of the year a bath in a chamomile tea, for a couple of hours. So they could suck full of moisture before they came into the soil. I was really surprised how good that worked. I had the first green leafs on the 3rd day (cocktail tomato and sugar melon). Most sweet peppers showed up after only 7-10 days. That was really incredible. I did the first sowing about 2 weeks ago and added the seeds of salads, radish, onions, chard, brassicas, and some flowers during the following days (based on the moon calender). In between almost every single seed did germanite. It was the first time i tried out the bathing method. I guess i'll keep on doing this for the following sowings. 😊🌱 Wish you all a good start into the new gardening season! 💚

[@jksatte]

Chamomile tea, is that a thing or did you just have that on hand. I want to try that but I don't have that tea. Hmmm I could get some. I wonder if peppermint tea would be helpful. I have some of that lol. Wouldn't that be convenient!! Thanks for the tip.

[@christianerardt3705]

@@jksatte i took the normal chamomile tea for cough or flu. It works in the same way for the seeds. If you find some chamomile outside, just use the flowers of the plant. I don't know if peppermint would help in a special way. Simply watering the seeds would even help for moisture. Chamomile has an anti bacterial effect. Just try out and tell about. 😉

[@patmillar961]

I'll definitely give this a go....thanks for the tip 🌱

[@colintazey6817]

Chamomile tea is anti bacterial, I spray my seedlings with it to stop damping off as it kills the bacteria and mould in the soil/compost

[@GrowVeg]

I never knew that about chamomile tea - interesting!

[@rosedoucet2188]

I use an old electric blanket for bottom heat for germination. It works perfectly, especially for the heat loving plants, and especially because my cottage is never overly warm 🤓 Okay, I’m finished binge watching your videos now. Thanks for doing your part to help me get through the winter while I wait for garden season to begin again.

[@GrowVeg]

What a great idea - very resourceful, love it!

[@Alfamoto8]

Oh thanks a lot... I was given an electric blanket as a gift a few years back and I never used it... I'll try to find it and try it out!

[@anniathome]

So glad to hear this from someone else! I’ve been pricing seed mats and am convinced that they are unnecessarily expensive, especially for someone like me who will be starting thousands of seeds. I had been thinking of using a heated mattress pad, but just wasn’t sure. Thanks!

[@kasidysegovia9079]

I use my heating pad :)

[@stim_hack]

I've started seeds indoors the last two years but this video was a real eye opener! Thanks for the exceptional tips!

[@kateernst4500]

That was a super helpful video! I'm starting my first seeds indoor this year and can't wait to see what happens

[@scootingscientist884]

Very insightful video as always! I started to sow my Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Aubergine, Bell peppers and herbs: Parsley, Coriander, Basil and Sage.

[@LisaMay_HomeAndAway]

Love your channel so excited for this coming season. I’m sowing for my grown up girls this year to help with their food bills.

[@GrowVeg]

Good work Lisa. It's shocking how much food prices are rising.

[@soulexhale]

Thanks a lot, Ben for a very detailed explanation. It's very helpful for beginner gardeners like me. Be blessed!

[@trishabutler1001]

Thank you so much for this video! You just answered so many questions that I had. I've watched so many tutorials and none of them answered my questions like this one did. Thanks again! Happy growing. 🙏❤️✨

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased Trisha. And happy growing to you too. :-)

[@DerMelissa]

I started herbs today...dill, cilantro and peppermint.Happy planting🌱

[@ajdexter4195]

I won’t be sowing for another few weeks yet! Toms go in on the 1st week of March 🙌🏻 Sometimes even April! Such an exciting time of year!

[@ironian24]

I've done a lot of seeds and started end of jan so now got some lovely veg growing in the greenhouse.

[@GrowVeg]

Great head start!

[@kitdubhran2968]

My remarkably sturdy kale is still going strong (about four winters old now I think) and I gathered a bunch of its seeds last year. Planning on planting some of the best looking seeds from that this year. Hoping I’ll manage to gather seeds from them eventually and help to evolve this kale to my environment as much as I can.

[@GrowVeg]

That's a great idea Kit.

[@ThiccDiff]

I’m in zone 8b so it’s always interesting to see how much colder climates have to plan ahead when doing seedlings and such

[@Irene-ke6to]

Thanks so much for your videos. I consider myself an old hand at gardening but it never fails that your videos will give me a moment of "yeah, I didn't do that" or " oh shoot, that's why it didn't grow right". Gardening is Mother Natures way of telling us we never know everything!

[@GrowVeg]

So true about Mother Nature there Irene!

[@rhodaneader9008]

I am loving the garden app. I used it this week to start my seeds, to capture notes and for once, I didn't overplant. ❤

[@GrowVeg]

Nice one Rhoda!

[@smile30981]

I had to rewatch your video for a refresher today - I'm transplanting 150+ seedlings then seeding the rest of my garden (about 600 more seeds!) Great tips and super excited about what's to come this gardening season :D

[@GrowVeg]

That's great to hear. I hope the transplanting goes well - how exciting!

[@silkebaumhauer107]

Thank you for your protection for the peaks since a long time! We spend our holidays in the bohemian forest next a very old moor. I`ve nevver smell so a fine, soft and clean air before!!! We must care our mother nature and the soil. Best Wishes from Silke from Bavaria

[@GrowVeg]

Absolutely Silke. Mother Nature needs our respect and cooperation.

[@kristinz5081]

I usually pick one new thing to try in my garden each year. This year, I am trying ground cherries.

[@lizzporter6840]

I grew ground cherries for the first time last year. They are wonderful. I plan to grow them again this year. Good luck!

[@backyardnaturefollies673]

Good idea on the different soils depending on seed size. Thanks!

[@JATJAT330]

I've got my sweet peas, radishes and onions sown in the greenhouse. Last year was my first year with an allotment and the weather was frankly hard work, got my fingers crossed for a better harvest this year!

[@GrowVeg]

Fingers crossed for you!

[@prunechat8401]

Tomato seeds sown a week ago are germinating nicely, I’ve started them early for a few years now following the advice of a neighbour who has many years more experience. This year I’m trying a mix of seed compost and vermiculite for the first time. I always water my tray or pot before adding seeds so that there is less chance of them floating around after careful positioning. Many thanks for another really useful video.

[@GrowVeg]

Your welcome Prune - thanks for watching. :-)

[@DruidJo]

I keep a handwritten journal to record what I have sewn and where and when. I could use the one in the planner, but I like writing in my pretty notebooks....lol. I write everything in there, what where and when as well as when the seeds pop and when the first leaves show, when they are planted up into pots and when I start to harden them off. When I do start in pots I use clear plastic bottles as covers. They work great because the lids can be taken off to allow for ventilation.

[@muppet-fan]

This was fantastic and I picked up some things I didn't know. Truly appreciated!

[@yasminyousuf5937]

Have always had a dream for my own veg plot. I had low confidence as any success was short lived and didn’t come to fruition. Was confused in how and what to start with . After searching online, for advice, I could relate to found your videos calm and easy to understand . all my questions were answered I was too embarrassed to ask. Thank you for not over complicating the beauty of growing my own veg .

[@GrowVeg]

That's really great to hear Yasmin. Happy gardening to you! :-)

[@kevinstonebanks8552]

Thanks for the tips, I have mentioned before about my big garden project,it's going really well,and I have started sowing flower and veg seeds,with about 60,% growth success,I have learned from my mistakes,and I have maybe being getting carried away a bit,but it's has brought joy,I just love it when the seeds start popping up,with you help on your channel I can only get better,👍

[@GrowVeg]

60% success isn't bad - more than enough to fill the garden I'm sure. And the whole process brings so much joy as you say. :-)

[@gingerhebblethwaite]

I've been really liking the Garden Myths (he has a blog and a KZbin channel) improved kitchen towel/baggy method for sowing seeds. They basically take up almost no room until they've germinated, and then you know that you aren't wasting compost/pots/trays or windowsill space on non-viable seed, or seed that is going to take weeks to germinate. I currently have far more pepper/chili seeds in my tiny propagator than I could fit in there if I'd sown them into pots or module trays. Well worth checking out!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for the recommendation.

[@janetbull2616]

Thanks Ben as always great video full of advise on seed sowing much appreciated 👍

[@natemitch]

Fantastic timing! I am getting a couple trays going right now!

[@jwvautard]

I will grow tomatoes (my favorites) as well as peppers, carrots, lettuces, garlic, onions, beans, probably cucumbers, maybe some zucchini again,perhaps some melons, and one or two new things that I haven't tried yet or in several years. Last year, I grew patio corn, and it grew quite well.

[@catnekokotyonok5180]

Ben, you always cheer me up!🤗 I love your videos & I've learnt so much, thanks! Cheers, 🐱

[@GrowVeg]

Great to hear, thanks for watching. :-)

[@jacquelinebaxter6420]

Thank you first year I will be sowing alot of my veggoe garden Excellent video Michigan USA zone 6

[@craigmetcalfe1749]

Hey Gentle Growers! I learn tricks with labels every year. This year, I select my seeds and then I write up my labels in my office even before heading out to the seed table. That means that if the cleaning fairies come into the office and put away all my seeds, I at least can find the labels and then fish the seeds out (again) from the seed box. I am grateful both the office fairies and those who keep me company in the bottom of the garden ;-) Cheers!

[@marksallotmentplot]

So many seeds to get started over the next month. Great advice as always Ben 👍

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Mark!

[@WriterGirl25]

I've only recently stumbled onto your channel but I'm really enjoying the videos and their useful information. I have a small balcony and I managed to grow a few radishes and carrots in containers last year but most things didn't germinate at all. This year I'm absorbing all the information I can and have lots of seeds starting off which is exciting :D I'm determined to have a successful container garden this year and having lots of fun learning!

[@GrowVeg]

Wishing you the very best of luck with this year's container garden Ann-Marie. :-)

[@toniedalton5448]

Just did mine in premodern peat pods. Little greenhouse tray. Sitting in the warmest spot in the house. On top of the heater. By the time the weather warms some I’ll put them under a grow light. Besides a larger barn, I really want a greenhouse !

[@michelledouglas8913]

Excellent sowing tips! Thank you 😊

[@cindywoodall2937]

Thanks for all the great advice - I really enjoy your videos Ben! Something I find helpful to get those seeds sprouted is use of a heat mat beneath my pots or trays.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, that must give a great result. My seedlings are germinated on a windowsill with a little bottom heat coming from a radiator, so kind of the same idea.

[@k.p.1139]

Ben, I keep harping on the garden planner, but, it has taken a load off of my "when to" list. One big mistake I have been making is my timing. I had no idea a few of my seeds needed to be started outside- only. A couple of days ago, I had my trays and seeds ready. I stopped to check my planner and got a shooo, moment. Outside- in 2 weeks. For new gardeners- the planner will more than pay for itself when you don't lose seedlings for planting at the wrong time, or the wrong location. And, the bigger thing you can save is stress of figuring it all out by yourself! Stick with Ben and most of all- don't stop because you made mistakes. I have been "trying" to grow a garden for 20 years....I refuse to stop trying for those reasons! 😁 It's nice to go outside and see what the squirrels left me for dinner. 😅

[@theladysgardenandhome]

I agree! The Garden Planner has saved me from so much confusion and mistakes!

[@GrowVeg]

That's really so great to hear, it really is. The main ting I learn the more I garden... is how much more there is to learn. But that's half the fun, right!

[@jwvautard]

I love the garden planner, too. I got a laugh out of the comment about what the squirrels left you for dinner. In my experience, it's precious little, unless you're willing to eat veggies from which they've already removed a bite or two. Ha!

[@k.p.1139]

@@jwvautard I know right? I covered my collards, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. They ate a hole in the netting, got in and left the actual veggies.. But, stripped every single leaf from the plants. Then my sweet potatoes. I watched one dig a nice sized one up and drug it upside down to the top of the tree. I can't fault them a lot, the developers are destroying their homes as fast as they can pour the cement. I have oak trees, so naturally they have moved here. They have no where else to go.

[@rhodaneader9008]

I also like the inside or outside part of the planner.

[@leeannem5665]

Thank you for the thorough explanations. Well done.

[@SK-lt1so]

LED lights generate little heat. I keep mine 2-4 inches from the seedlings-there is never enough light in the winter (zone 5b).

[@paper601]

You seem to answer all my questions, first on compost, now on my seed and seedling woes; thank you so very much 😊 I love your natural presentation skills too, makes for very pleasant viewing!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much - delighted the video was useful. :-)

[@paper601]

@@GrowVeg 😊

[@michaeldominy2084]

Hi Ben, You are the man for the beginner, like me, you are so informative you give the new guy the confidence to not worry so much. I shall be looking forward to the next one you mentioned for beginners, and hope you won’t mind people asking you things they are not sure of, although you do cover most things. I bought myself a couple of grow lights as I wasn’t happy with the window light, and having to turn pots etc round. Today I have put tomato, pepper, and lettuce. 10 days ago cauliflower, kale, carrots, and am hoping things work out as I see many professionals do a lot of early sowing so would like my trial to be ok.🤔😊👍

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for watching Michael. There's loads of videos coming up that will be great for beginner gardeners - and never worry about asking questions, always happy to help.

[@Joey-vw1id]

Thank you 😊 You always have great information!

[@forgottenforest1]

Excellent job. Absolutely love your work

[@Shaqstacy]

I absolutely love these videos. So pleasant to listen to and it’s such incredible knowledge. Thank you!!

[@GrowVeg]

You're welcome Trevor - thanks for watching!

[@donaldauguston9740]

Thank you, Ben. This was wonderful! DA - Vancouver, WA

[@LindaLights]

Excellent video, very informative and clear! Thanks for your efforts.

[@BarGardenEat]

When is always my biggest issue. I feel that if I start my seeds earlier then the earlier spring will come...still has yet to work. Thanks for the tips!

[@lindaswedenlifestyle]

Thank you for this sharing.. its to early for mig this year. Hopefully next month i can also start my seedlings!

[@jakehersey391]

Just getting into gardening now and your videos are so helpful - thank you!

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased to hear that Jake. Hope you have a great gardening season.

[@moranmike36]

Spring Thanks for all your tips

[@Stu-Vino]

Thanks, Ben - a really useful video. All my veggie seeds have arrived, so will get started early and spread the sowing out as you've suggested!

[@GrowVeg]

Top job!

[@MattTrevett]

Going to try this for the first time tomorrow. We have.. bean pole, radish, cucumber, and watermelon to try from seed. The others are from the nursery ready to go. Possibly the watermelon is too soon, but it's looking like a sunny, warm year where I live. Thank you for the tips, and I'll be sure to try them.

[@GrowVeg]

Great stuff Matthew - here's to a very productive season!

[@InspirationSessions]

Another masterclass in succinct and useful tips, thanks Ben! I find it increasingly hard to watch some of the more waffly gardening YTers (mentioning no names) and keep coming back to your straight-talking and very helpful advice.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks Tom, that means a lot. Happy spring!

[@edemyre8993]

Hi Ben! Truth to tell, here in central Florida I can direct sow year 'round. That said, I always learn something in every one of your videos; and if my own enthusiasm for gardening had a voice it would be yours! Cheers!

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Ed. You have a superb climate - must be great to have such a long growing season. :-)

[@tonileigh8660]

Watching from cold, snowy Michigan in the US. Still have about 2 feet of snow on the ground and many nights with temps near 0 degrees F. In a couple weeks I'll be starting onions and chives, then a couple weeks later, lettuce.

[@GrowVeg]

It won't be long before all the snow seems like a distant memory Toni.

[@jkdruid]

Watching from Uruguay in south america.different climate but great advice.

[@myhillsidegarden3998]

Ben, this was a truly great video for a beginner. Thank you for sharing. Be safe and stay well, Catherine

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Catherine, thanks for watching.

[@patmillar961]

I also check the last frost date for my area and plant seeds about nine weeks or so before. I'm a new subscriber and enjoying your channel Ben...many thanks for your tips 🌱👍

[@GrowVeg]

Great to hear that Pat - and thank so much for the sub. :-)

[@normancoutts]

All very helpful. Thanks. We are still in the depths of frosts up here in the North of Scotland, but it wont be long now!

[@GrowVeg]

Not long to go Norman.

[@The.Ghost.of.Tom.Joad.]

Nice. On Sunday, I started my leeks, onions, and scallions. A week from Sunday, it'll be peppers and eggplant. I love this time of year because I'm still under snow (we've not seen the ground for over a month), but I'm planning for summer.

[@GrowVeg]

The best plans for summer are made now.

[@tamararoberts9307]

Gosh! This video is sparking my Spring seed-starting excitement 😆 😄 😀

[@GrowVeg]

That's what we like to hear Tamara!

[@jollymontube]

Thanks, Ben. All very helpful.

[@leejanes9636]

Thanks for this video. I needed someone's voice to fall asleep to

[@rhondahutton9000]

You make it look so simple

[@cford2006]

Very helpful hints..especially to not be afraid of growing lots of seeds in a pot and then spreading the seedlings out on the table to separate and plant them in the pods. Also the beard looks very nice on you : )

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for that. :-)

[@marcogolz9199]

This was extremely helpful, and you're a joy to watch. Thank you!

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you found this video useful. Thanks for watching. 😀

[@alanoliver5378]

Me and my granddaughter are starting our own veg plot this year, we planned starting our brasicas and onion seeds this weekend, but it's been so cold wet and windy we decided to spend our time in doors coudled up watching Disney instead, no chance of potting seeds indoors the wife would kill us 😂 there's always next week, onions cabbage cauliflower brocoli will be our first seeds in, in the past I've been so busy working 6/7 days a week the only thing I was good at is buying the seeds 😂 but she has inspired me to give it a go, I've cleared the garden and we will hopefully have 3 raised beds for March, we can put our seed trays indoors once planted up, I don't mind wet and cold I can't stand strong winds I hate been outdoors on windy days, so next weekend hopefully 😉

[@GrowVeg]

Good stuff Alan - you'll have a very busy, but very satisfying weekend ahead of you. :-)

[@makola1970]

Sounds great. We started our first every garden plots last year - was lovely. Brasicas and onions are great but long harvest time. Look into radishes, trombone spinach, lettuces, beans and peas. Some are ready within a month which is great for children. We got some sugarsnap pea plants from b&q (£1.50 for about 8 plants) and they were picked and eaten daily!!! We also grew some monster sunflowers that were over 16 feet! All the local kids loved them. Enjoy your time!

[@daliagonzalez1613]

So nice video! Full of useful information and enjoyable to watch. I feel motivated to gardening now!

[@ceeemm1901]

Thanks Ben, especially for saying to label because "it's so easy to forget". I thought it was just me getting dementia, haha. Cheers

[@GrowVeg]

No no - this is always happening to me!

[@Haze1434]

Thanks Ben, great video.

[@stephaniecoopertattoo6811]

Hi Ben, just wanted to say this video has been extremely helpful to me as it’s been my first time sowing seeds and I’ve just realised why my seedlings are looking so long and leggy. Really appreciate the video thank you :)

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you've found it helpful. Happy gardening! :-)

[@NathanHarrison7]

Awesome tips. Thanks for making gardening much less intimidating!

[@MarkFaust]

Thank you for making these videos.

[@GrowVeg]

You're welcome Mark.

[@Maryvillegas0722]

Cant wait to start my garden 🥰🥰

[@SloMoMonday]

Coming into spring here in the southern parts and we tried seed sowing for the first time. Results were... not great, but lots of lessons learned. Especially with soil and heat. Thankfully seedlings are not too difficult to come by and theres always next year.

[@GrowVeg]

Absolutely - every setback is a learning opportunity. :-)

[@ojh888]

Excellent video! I learned so much about sowing seeds from this video. I am feeling more prepared for gardening season now. Thanks for the very helpful info! I plan on planting some cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and a variety of herbs. Happy gardening! 👩‍🌾🥕🍅🥒

[@GrowVeg]

Happy gardening to you too - some great crops in the planning there. Enjoy!

[@jameswillison2220]

Absolutely brilliant video thanks

[@Munchkinzi]

I love your Himalayan honeysuckle beside your greenhouse, Ben! I miss mine at our old house; it was huge after I brought it back to life... May have to put it on my list of shrubs to add to the garden this year... I've already added hydrangea and buddleia for the wildlife last year and I know they love the cascading flowers of the Himalayan honeysuckle too. Keep up the good work, my garden planner has been amazing for my winter/spring layout amendments and planning already this year! Thanks. Sammi (Crewe, Cheshire) x

[@GrowVeg]

It is a beautiful plant for sure. Thanks for the kind words - and best of luck with this year's garden. :-)

[@gardeningonthedeck]

Very informative video. All details clearly explained. Thanks.

[@sm8315]

I learned something useful. Thank you

[@kellysoo]

Very thorough!!! Thank you so much

[@janinebean4276]

I germinated on damp paper towel in Tupperware covered with plastic wrap, then transferred into plug trays. I got 100% germination on almost everything! I don’t have heating mats so my other option was to leave the trays outside, but there was a thunderstorm and the trays filled up with water and drowned the seeds and all the perlite floated to the top 😂 so I tried again with the paper towel and it worked great!

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased to hear it worked well Janine - good job! :-)

[@samanthabrinley6597]

How long did you leave the seeds on the paper towel?

[@taz9221]

Loved it. Thanks. ❤

[@Redvixion_123]

Another great video. Thank you so much!

[@theladysgardenandhome]

Great tips, Ben! I'm starting my leeks and onions this week, and later this month will start celery, spinach and peppers. I started most of my veggies way too early last year and had no room to pot them on. I also just ordered a mini greenhouse that I hope will alleviate my small space woes this year.

[@GrowVeg]

That mini greenhouse will be really, really handy I reckon! :-)

[@theladysgardenandhome]

@@GrowVeg I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival!

[@cheryldutchak1010]

Try winter sowing. Lots of videos on youtube. Works awesome for us in cold climates.

[@MettePeleikis]

Thank you for this video. Very informative!

[@MarthaHenry1]

No better sight! Seedlings remind me that Spring is just around the corner;) I have started a few of my seedlings: peppers, collards, luffa, sunflowers and beans.

[@GrowVeg]

Great to be off to such a good start already. :-)

[@christinebrooks6364]

Hi Ben, great video, love your dog, it's gorgeous, thanks for sharing & take care 🙂

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks Christine - the dog's great company (if sometimes a little too eager with the digging!).

[@douglaspearce1187]

Excellent video ,Ben. Never knew about the issue causing leggy seedlings. I have a few trays of baby spinach that will need rescuing this morning.

[@GrowVeg]

Hope you managed to rescue your baby spinach Douglas. :-)

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Looks so chilly

[@kathleenwilliamson174]

Every year we get so excited about starting seeds that we start too soon. Not ready a bad idea, but they get so big and we have so many that we run out of room. We don't have a greenhouse, so in the house they stay. I did purchase two smaller greenhouse/netting set ups which will allow for room outside this year. I will be starting bunching onions and cabbages in the next couple weeks, and tomatoes and peppers in March. Thank you for all your tips, suggestions and inspiration! Happy planting from Missouri, USA.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks Kathleen. Not long till you get everything started - we're in the latter half of winter now. :-)