How to Give your Seedlings the Best Start

We all want the best for our seedlings so that we can have unrestricted root growth, stronger plants and ultimately, better results. There is a saying in the gardening community that goes “well sown is half grown”, meaning that if you get the sowing right, the rest will follow.

Read on to discover how to get your sowing right using our range of peat-free Propagation Range and Seed Compost.

Giving Your Seedlings the Best Start

The most important thing about sowing seeds is choosing the right seeds in the first place. At Fothergill’s we trial and test all our seeds to bring you the best varieties, guaranteeing you satisfaction from your garden.

Once you have your Forthergills’ seeds ready to sow, it’s important you use a good quality seed compost that is lightweight, moist and well-drained. Choose a pot that also has good drainage and fill it to the top. Or you can use our coir Plantable Pellets that are pre-filled and just need to be soaked in water before they’re ready to be used.

As each seed has different sowing requirements, check the back of the packet for instructions. After sowing your seeds make sure they're placed somewhere warm and bright, away from direct sunlight. Keep them watered consistently

Our Propagation Range

Peat Free Seed Compost

This coir-based mix is designed to support seed germination and healthy root development. With slow-release nutrients and seaweed, it provides the perfect feed balance from germination to seedlings.

Plantable Pellets Refill Pack
(36 x 35mm)

Give your plants the best start with our Eco-Friendly, Peat-Free Coconut Fibre Pellets. Specially designed to refill your Plantable Pellets Greenhouse Kits! Perfect for nurturing small to medium-sized seeds.

Plantable Pots
(22 x 8cm)

Grow your plants the eco-friendly way with our Coconut Fibre Pots. Crafted to promote unrestricted plant growth, these sustainable pots help produce stronger, healthier plants with better overall results.

Plantable Pellets Greenhouse
Kit (10 Plants)

Get your garden started the right way with our Easy-to-Use Seed Starter Kit. Perfect for small to medium-sized seeds, this eco-friendly kit features peat-free coconut fibre pellets that create an ideal growing environment.

Plantable Pots Greenhouse Kit
(16 Plants)

Promote healthier, stronger plants with our Eco-Friendly, Peat-Free Coconut Fibre Pots. Designed to allow unrestricted root growth, these pots help produce better results and vibrant plants. Ideal for up to 16 plants, they offer a sustainable alternative for gardeners.

Plantable Pots
(12 x 6cm)

Promote stronger, healthier plants with our Eco-Friendly Coconut Fibre Pots. Designed to support unrestricted root growth, these pots help produce better results and more robust plants. Each pot measures 12 x 6cm, perfect for a variety of plants.

Plantable Pots Greenhouse
Kit Refills (32 Plants)

Keep your gardening project going with our refill pack for the Plantable Pots Greenhouse Kit. This refill supports up to 32 pots, providing everything you need to continue growing healthy plants.

Plantable Pots
(6 x 12cm)

Support stronger, healthier plants with our Eco-Friendly Coconut Fibre Pots. Designed for unrestricted root growth, these pots promote better plant development and superior results. Each pot measures 6 x 12cm, ideal for a variety of plants.

Coir: Why Should I Make the Switch?

We all know that plastic is bad for the environment, often ending up in landfill and leaching tiny microplastics into the environment. But until recently there have been few good alternatives for gardeners. Coir offers a sustainable alternative to plastic and peat and is excellent for producing strong root growth and healthy plants.

Peat is a valuable natural resource, and the horticultural community is making great steps towards protecting peat bogs and finding natural and more sustainable alternatives. Coir, like peat, has a fine texture and excellent water holding capacity. It is also light, helping delicate seedlings reach the surface without resistance.

When formed into pots, coir makes a sturdy vessel that, when buried will break down allowing you to plant out your seedlings without any disturbance to the roots. Coir pellets are small, pre-formed pellets that are compressed for easy storage. Once you soak them in water they expand, and within a few minutes you’re ready to plant your seeds. Once your seedlings are big enough you can take the whole pellet and put it in the ground, making planting out quick and easy.

If you haven’t made the switch to coir yet, read on for more about how to use our Plantable Pots and Pellets.

How to Use Plantable Growing Pellets

Plantable growing pellets are a simple and sustainable way to grow seeds. They are easy to store, quick to set up and filled with good quality, enriched coir compost for optimum germination and seedling health. Here’s how to sow seeds using our Plantable Growing Pellets.

Step 1

Remove the cardboard sleeve and lift off the clear lid. Cover the pellets with clean, lukewarm water and watch them expand. Allow five minutes for them to grow to full size and add more water if needed.

Step 2

Sow your seeds into the small holes in the top of each pellet. Place the clear lid over the tray and place somewhere warm and bright, out of direct sunlight.

Step 3

Once your plants start to grow, remove the clear lid and continue growing until they’re ready to move on. Then, simply pick up the entire pellet and transfer it to a bigger pot, or plant it out in the ground.

Why Choose Plantable Pellets?

Just Add Water: Ready to Sow in minutes.
Natural Growing Media: Made with sustainable and renewable coconut fibre.
Mess-Free: No heavy bags of compost needed.
No Root Disturbance: Plant the whole pellet straight into the soil
Fed From Day One: Includes a balanced fertiliser for a healthy start.

Plantable Pots

Our Plantable Pots are a great alternative to plastic, made from sustainable coir. When planted they slowly break down allowing for unrestricted root growth and reducing root disturbance. Let’s look at how to use Plantable Pots for successful seed sowing.

Step 1

Remove your pots from their packaging and separate them. Fill them to the top with seed compost and sow your seeds as instructed on the packet.

Step 2

Water your seeds and allow the pots to drain. Then place them in a warm, bright place away from direct sun. Keep the compost nice and moist while the seeds germinate.

Step 3

Once large enough, move your plant to its final location. There is no need to remove the plant from the pot, simply bury it just below the soil level. Your plant roots will grow through the pot.

Why Choose Plantable Pots?

Natural growing media: Made with sustainable and renewable coconut fibre.
Minimal root disturbance: Plant the whole pot to protect delicate roots.
Unrestricted growth: Roots grow through the pot, leading to stronger root systems.
Stays strong when wet: Easy to move and transplant.
Mould resistant: Keeps your plants healthy unlike paper and wood pulp based pots.

Propagation FAQs

What will stop my seeds germinating?

All seeds need water to break down their outer case and germinate. Inconsistent watering or over watering may lead to a failure in germination, or to the seeds rotting. Make sure that the compost and pot are well draining and check on your seeds regularly.

Some seeds also need heat to germinate, so pay attention to the seed packet and make sure you are sowing at an appropriate time, with extra heat if needed.

Also, ensure that your seeds are fresh by checking the use by date on the back of the packet.

How can I help seedlings grow stronger?

To grow strong seedlings they will need a good quality seed compost, consistent watering and plenty of light. Seedlings will grow weak and thin if they don’t have enough light. The easiest way to ensure that they have enough light is to move them somewhere else, but if they’re already in the brightest spot available you may need to sow a little later in the season. As the season progresses and daylight hours become longer there will naturally be more light available to your plants. You can also consider investing in grow lights to help your plants grow strong.

What size pot should I use?

The size of the pot should depend on the size of the seed you are sowing. If you have a small seed such as a chilli, aubergine, tomato, leek, lettuce, kale etc they can be sown in small pots or cells. Larger seeds such as pumpkin, squash, beans and peas should be given larger, deeper pots

What are the biggest mistakes when sowing seeds?

The biggest mistake made when sowing seeds is sowing too early. If you sow seeds too early this may cause them to not have enough light and warmth for germination and healthy growth. Daylight hours increase greatly from around the middle of February, but remember temperatures can still be very cold.

Fothergill's Plantable Pots: How to Use

Fothergill's Plantable Pellets: How to Use

Oh Sow Simple

Oh Sow Simple is the ultimate garden seed range designed for effortless growing. With a compact collection of 56 carefully selected varieties, this range offers all the most popular vegetables that gardeners love to grow.

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a beginner, Oh Sow Simple makes it easy to start your gardening journey with confidence.

Each seed packet comes with clear, everyday descriptions and simple instructions, ensuring that planting and caring for your vegetables and flowers is as easy as it gets. From vibrant tomatoes to crunchy carrots, and leafy greens to hearty beans, this range covers everything you need for a
successful harvest.

Perfect for small spaces or larger plots, Oh Sow Simple is your go-to choice for growing fresh, homegrown produce without the hassle. Let us help you make gardening a breeze

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