Confused about sowing instructions?

[crazy_red]

I have just bought some basil seeds and the packet instructions say not to exclude light as they need light to germinate.

But then you're told to cover them with a layer of compost. Is it just me being thick, but if you cover them with compost, doesn't this exclude light?

It don't make sense...I'm confused

[jacob marley]

I have just bought some basil seeds and the packet instructions say not to exclude light as they need light to germinate.

But then you're told to cover them with a layer of compost. Is it just me being thick, but if you cover them with compost, doesn't this exclude light?

It don't make sense...I'm confused

i think you will find that means after they have germinated because all you get is spindly plants trying to find the light.
After i have sown the seed's i cover lightly with very fine compost that i shake through fine riddle good luck....jacob..

[kentvegplot]

You can also cover such seeds with vermiculite, as this tends to let light through. It is important to make sure the seeds are in good contact with the soil.

Some seeds need light, some don't, and I'm afraid it's mainly just a question of knowing which is which....

Good luck!

[Stacey Steve]

When I was a kid, I always thought it was so they knew which way up to grow.

[crazy_red]

When I was a kid, I always thought it was so they knew which way up to grow.

Lol, walk into the light..........

[Two_Sheds]

Anyway's, it's too early to sow basil.

It's a devil to grow even in the summer

[crazy_red]

Anyway's, it's too early to sow basil.

It's a devil to grow even in the summer

I know, but they were only 20p in the odds & sods bin. It wasn't my fault, they made me buy them....

[MrsC]

Sorry, got to disagree on this one guys, I grow it year round, here's a pic of a couple of varieties sown a couple of weeks ago. Sorry for the picture quality! It does grow better in Spring but it can be grown in Winter although at a slower pace

[MrsC]

CR - you can root the tips of shop bought Basil in water for 1 week and then pot on if that's easier. Sorry if you already know this. The pic above is of lime, lemon and cinnamon basil.

[Two_Sheds]

Sorry, got to disagree on this one guys, I grow it year round, here's a pic of a couple of varieties sown a couple of weeks ago. Sorry for the picture quality! It does grow better in Spring but it can be grown in Winter although at a slower pace

Show me some big ones
I can get them to seedling stage, but the lack of light and cold windowsills at night, means they fail to thrive ... you couldn't really call it growing

[zazen999]

Mine sown last year is still thriving outdoors; I'm expecting this siberian chill to kill it off. If it doesn't, it's being left to seed and I'll collect that and use that for the next few years' sowings.

[terrier]

I had some bordeaux basil outside and it curled up it's toes and died well before the first frost. I agree with TS, getting it to germinate is easy, it's the next bit that's difficult.