Keen to get going? Take a look at this selection of sowing trays and accessories for a perfect start
HEATED PROPAGATOR & SEED SOWING KIT
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This starter kit includes a heated propagator (240v/111w); compost (15 litres); vermiculite (5 litres); pack of four bottle top waterers; a dibber/widger set; a pack of 50 plant labels and two waterproof markers.
KINGS SEEDS
www.kingsseeds.com
TEL: 01376 570 000
PRODUCT CODE: 48171
PRICE: £45
KG VERDICT
Star of the piece is the electric propagator, complemented by generous amounts of seed compost and vermiculite, a couple of waterproof pens, plenty of labels, watering tops, and a dibber and widger. What a great little package for spring sowing, comprising everything you need to get started!
GRO-SURE VISIROOT TWIN PROPAGATOR SET
This Gro-Sure Visiroot Twin Propagator includes 2 x 12 cell trays, 2 propagator lids and 2 drip trays. The transparent RPET material makes roots visible so that you can checking root growth and moisture levels without disturbing the plant. Additionally, the moisture bridge facilitates even watering and nutrient distribution across the cells. H 15 x W 23 x D 17.5cm (H 6 x W 9 x D 7in).
WESTLAND
www.gardenhealth.com
TEL: Go online for stockists
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE GUIDE: £6.99
KG VERDICT
These two compact modular cell trays are perfect for starting off a wide range of plants, including aubergines, peppers, tomatoes, beetroot, cucumber and courgettes, and more. The drip tray will collect any excess water and the transparent cover will keep seeds and seedlings sufficiently warm and protected. The fact that you can see the roots as they appear is useful to help you gauge how well the young plants are doing. The trays are reusable and recyclable. Good value for money.
DEEP ROOTRAINERS (PACK OF TWO)
Ideal for beans, sweet peas, peas and sweetcorn, these Rootrainers have deep cells to give space to robust root growth. With the very helpful opening and closing mechanism, roots can be checked and when it comes to transplanting, there is minimum root disturbance.
DOBIES
www.dobies.co.uk
TEL: 0333 240 5933
PRODUCT CODE: KC3796
PRICE: £27.99 (Pack of 2)
KG VERDICT
Made from sturdy recycled plastic, these reusable Rootrainers are perfect for those plants that benefit from deeper roots. Each cell opens and closes like a book, with each tray packing in 32 cells, so 64 in all. The joy of Rootrainers is that when you are ready to plant out you can open each cell with minimum disturbance to the roots. A must for runner beans, peas and sweet peas!
SIEVE SEED TRAY
Made from recycled polypropylene, this compact sieve tray enables you to sift compost so that lumps are excluded. The mesh holes measure 4mm square. Just a little shaking required to create a fine compost.
MARSHALLS GARDEN
www.marshallsgarden.com
TEL: 01480 774555
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE: £4.99
KG VERDICT
This is a great little product for creating fine compost that you can use for sowing. Some compost – whether bought or home-made – is quite lumpy with twigs and fibrous material so this sieve sorts out the lumps from the fine grain. A good, compact size with holes just right for creating compost suitable for small seeds.
CELL TRAY TAMPER
This cell tray tamper measures 3.5cm square and is made from FSC certified beech wood. Use it for firming and levelling compost in cell trays before and after sowing.
BURGON & BALL
www.burgonandball.com
TEL: 0114 233 8262
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE: £6.99
KG VERDICT
Idea for tamping down compost in modular cell tray and firming in seeds, this is a handy little tool to have at the ready. Made from quality wood, this simple accessory does the job perfectly.
