Here are a few top tips to help you make the best job of sowing your vegetable seeds.

Sowing indoors

• The more tender vegetables, and those that are more vulnerable to pest damage if sown directly in the ground, are best sown in pots or seed trays first in a greenhouse or protected area.
• This applies to crops such as tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, sweetcorn, French beans and squashes in the first groups; and brassicas (cauliflower, cabbage), broad beans, lettuce and leeks in the second.
• Bigger seeds suit small pots but tiny seeds are better in a seed tray.
• Fill your pots or trays with a seed compost or a good multi-purpose compost and water so the compost is damp.
• Follow the instructions on the packets as regards timing.
• Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the compost and just cover lightly with a little more compost.
• Water lightly using a rose spout to keep the compost just moist without disturbing the seeds.
• Label the pots and trays.
• Cover until the first signs of growth appear, then protect from strong sunlight. Water regularly but do not overwater. Turn the trays occasionally to maintain even growth.

Sowing outdoors

• Dig over the soil, then rake it until the surface is broken down to a fine, crumbly soil. The smaller the seeds, the more important it is to have a fine tilth.
• Stretch a piece of string between two sticks to give a straight row. Make a narrow groove or seed drill with a stick or corner of a hoe. Water the seed drill to soften the soil and provide the seed with moisture.
• Sprinkle the seeds sparingly along the groove, or space bigger seeds evenly, then cover lightly with fine soil.
• Water the ground again using a fine rose.
• Label the row.