How to grow herbs from seed discs

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How to grow herbs from seed discs

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Sunday, 24 March 2019 at 3:00 pm

Seed discs can make sowing easier. Find out how to use them, in our guide.

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Growing herbs from seed discs is a simple alternative for anyone who struggles with sowing small herb and salad seeds. These are filled with seeds for herbs such as basil, chives and parsley, or salads such as mixed leaves, mesclun or rocket.

You Will Need

Seed discs
10cm pots
Seed compost
Vermiculite (optional)
Cling film

Step 1

How to grow herbs from seed discs - placing the disc on compost

Choose pots that are a little larger than the disc, then fill them up with seed compost. Firm and level the surface and place a seed disc on top.

Step 2

How to grow herbs from seed discs - covering the disc with vermiculite

Cover the seed disc with a fine layer of vermiculite, which is easier to spread thinly, alternatively you could use seed compost if you prefer.

Step 3

How to grow herbs from seed discs - watering the dics

Water the pot thoroughly, cover with cling film, and stand it in a warm, bright position. When seedlings emerge, remove the cling film.

Step 4

How to grow herbs from seed discs - potting on seedlings

Pot seedlings on as they grow, keeping them watered so that the compost doesn't dry out. Give them a liquid feed once a week.

Step 5

How to grow herbs from seed discs - potting on a basil seedling

Once they are large enough to handle, transfer individual seedlings to smaller pots. Handle by a leaf to avoid crushing the stem.

Step 6

How to grow herbs from seed discs - watering your seedlings

Pinching out the tip of your plants will encourage bushy growth. Keep on watering them and they can be planted outside in summer.

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