Sowing seeds from seed catalogues or garden centres makes a promise for the summer ahead that your garden, allotment or even a tub will be fruitful. Try sweet peas, for their gorgeous perfume, or a mix of tomatoes; favourites like red Gardeners Delight or wee yellow Cherry varieties like Sungold.
However, wind, a sudden frosty night, a flurry of snow, a draughty windowsill or unheated greenhouse means seedlings may not survive. A good tip is to buy plug plants, removing the hard work. These are seedlings grown on to tiny plants from garden centres, markets or mail order; ready to be planted in their f inal positions. This is an economical way of growing, particularly for the smaller garden- half a dozen broad bean or pea plants will usually give a surprising quantity. Many seed packets lie forgotten and go to waste and if you have too many plugs, share with a friend!