What to do now: January

Adam 's Sowing guide

• Use seed compost for sowing - don't make do with multi-purpose compost, which is too coarse and rich in nutrients.
• Warm conditions are required for germination. Use an electric propagator set to about 21°C.
• Germination takes anything from a few days to three weeks, depending on the variety. .
• Water sparingly to avoid drowned seedlings and waterlogged compost. .
• If seedlings only develop one long shoot, pinch out the main tip to encourage sideshoots. .
• Gradually harden off plants in May by placing trays outside during the day and moving them back into the greenhouse or a cold frame at night.

Where to buy

Dobies 0870 112 3625, www.dobies.co.uk
Marshalls 01480 443 390, www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk
Mr Fothergill's 0845 166 2511, www.fothergills.co.uk
Nicky's Seeds 01843 600 972 www.nickys-nursery.co.uk
Suttons 0870 220 0606, www.suttons-seeds.co.uk
Thompson & Morgan 01473 695 225, www.thompson-morgan.com

8 steps to... growing geraniums from seed

Fill small pots with seed-sowing compost, then water thoroughly and leave the pots to drain.	Sprinkle seeds evenly over the surface of the compost, leaving at least 2-3cm between each one.	Cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost (use a sieve to remove any lumps) or vermiculite.
Cover pots with a sheet of glass or polythene, then place in a warm greenhouse or heated propagator.	Remove glass as soon as the seeds germinate, and grow on until large enough to prick out into trays.	Fill a tray with seed compost and plant seedlings about 5cm apart. Keep in a warm bright position.
In about six weeks, the young plants will be large enough for you to pot them up individually	Pot up the plants into 7.5cm pots. After 3-4 weeks, transfer to larger pots and start feeding with liquid feed.