Seedy sayings
Look at the back of any seed packet from the range in our garden centre and you'll find a lot of very useful information - not only what the plant looks like, but also how to sow and grow seeds.
But some of the terms used can be baffling if you're just starting out in gardening. So here's our jargon buster to help you translate:
- F1 Hybrid: a variety produced by crossing two pure strains to produce a completely reliable new plant
- Under glass: the seed is sown with some protection, usually in a greenhouse or cold frame
- Drill: shallow V-shaped groove in the ground to sow the seed into. Use the corner of a rake or the tip of a trowel to make the drill.
- Flat-bottomed drill: flat-bottomed trench, U-shaped and often used for peas and broad beans
- Prick out: lift young plants out of the seed tray and replant them into pots of compost
- Transplant: transfer the plant from the pot to its final growing position, usually outdoors in the garden
- Harden off: acclimatise young plants gradually to outdoor conditions, usually over a couple of weeks
