UNDER COVER
SOW AUBERGINES
Sowing chillies, sweet peppers and aubergines offers the opportunity to choose from a dizzying array of varieties. These warmth-loving plants need a long growing season. Starting early will increase yields, so it really is worthwhile getting them going as soon as possible.
They need warmth in order to germinate, such as a heated propagation mat. All of these are not frost hardy and will need protecting from the cold.
To make the most of heated space, sow the seeds in rows in a seed tray filled with compost (main picture). I divide the tray in half lengthways, which means I can fit in 18 or 20 different varieties. Once germinated and large enough to handle, prick out into modules. They’ll need a warm environment, and also extra light such as a propagation light since the day length is still so short.