when and how to plant seeds

[jackie j]

Is is better to plant seeds straight into the ground or into seed trays, pots etc ? I only have a small plastic greenhouse and no window sills at home.
As i live in the south of the country it tends to be warmer, should i have started already? My allotment is on the level can be a bit wet and has good soil I haven't managed to get hold of any manure.
Any tips would be appreciated.

[SMS6]

It really depends on what you want to grow

[Flummery]

I grow a lot in modules first because you have more control. I can get them to such a size before planting out that the slugs can't manage them, the pigeons find them too tough etc. My view is that compost is cheaper than seeds. I have sown broad beans in situ - they are fairly good doers and around here, nothing seems to go for them. However, I know a lot of people get them eated by mice. It's a matter of choice really. Some people sow everything direct.

[SarzWix]

I grow a lot of stuff in pots & cell trays before planting it out - we have some monster snails round here
A lot of things can be started & put out in your mini greenhouse - peas, cabbages/brussels etc, lettuce, leeks... Other things will need to wait til it's a bit warmer to stay outside overnight like squash, beans, tomatoes etc
Carrots can be sown direct now, but will need slug protection & would probably like some fleece or cloche to begin with if you have it.

Read the seed packets carefully, if it says you can sow in March, you can sow in March

[jackie j]

anything i have alredy got broad beans, various onions, herbs , strawberrys, blackcurrant, raspberry, rhubarb and gooseberry. Most of the fruit i was given by other people on my allotment site. I have bought seeds and am just waiting to get sowing

[sarahspatch]

Hi Jackie

I do a bit of both - you can get an earlier start on some veg by sowing in a cold greenhouse - I've sown onion seeds in modules and have planted sets at the lottie.
The fruit can be planted asap, before the weather warms up.
I will sow salad leaves and carrots direct - as soon as I can get back to the lottie!
Good luck!