FROM TINY SEEDS

I think I feel about sowing seeds how some people feel about Christmas shopping.  A panic comes over me - starting slowly in late February, but reaching it’s peak any day now.  I rush about rashly tipping whole packets of seeds into pots and trays on a daily basis, piling them up in the greenhouse until I can barely squeeze myself in to water them.  Rationally, this evening from the safety of my computer, I say to you - do not do this - seeds of most things keep for ages, and how many brussels sprouts/lupins/whatever do you need, or, more importantly, have time to pot on and nurture to maturity?  Following the logic of this, in my case the answer’s probably 3, but as with any obsession, it’s hard to know when to stop.

I think I’ve just never got over the pure magic of germination - that something so minute and seemingly lifeless can be induced to turn into a plant without much help from me is a complete miracle.  The children are momentarily excited by the sowing of seeds too, but a week goes by more slowly for them, and unlike me, they take the wonders of nature in their stride.  But just like me, have to tip the whole packet out all at once, and that can get very expensive.  If you can be organised enough to collect seed at the end of the season and then find somewhere dry to store it over winter you will get double the satisfaction - and plants for free.