Seed Sowing

• Fill a seed or cell tray evenly with SylvaGrow Seed Compost, tapping gently to settle
• Lightly water with a fine rose
• Sow the seeds carefully, according to the packet instructions, cover with more SylvaGrow Seed Compost to a depth as directed
• Cover the seed tray with glass or polythene and put in a warm place out of direct sunlight
• Remove the cover when the seeds have germinated and ensure the SylvaGrow is kept evenly moist at all times
• Prick out as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle.

Pricking Out

SylvaGrow Seed Compost can be used to prick out the germinated seedlings. We can also recommend SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose, SylvaGrow with added John Innes  or SylvaGrow John Innes No 1 for this purpose.

• When the seedlings are large enough to handle, gently tease them out of the growing medium using a dibber or pencil, taking care to handle only by the leaves.
• Fill a suitable pot with fresh SylvaGrow Seed Compost, use a dibber to make a hole and place the seedling in it
• Gently firm the compost around the roots and tap the pot to settle the compost
• Water gently but thoroughly
• After 3- 4 weeks, regularly apply a liquid feed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, at the time of pricking out, incorporate slow-release fertilizer granules according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cuttings

SylvaGrow Seed Compost can successfully be used as a propagation medium for fine-stemmed cuttings. For coarser-stemmed cuttings we recommend the addition of up to 50% grit such as Melcourt Potting Grit or Melcourt Coarse Grit, in order to provide more freely-draining conditions.

• Ensure the mother plant is well-watered before taking cuttings
• Fill a deep seed tray or pot with SylvaGrow Seed Compost and make a suitable hole with a dibber or pencil
• Prepare the stem or root cuttings according to type, ensuring that they are not allowed to dry out between cutting and inserting. Dip in hormone rooting powder/liquid if using
• Insert the cutting and gently firm the medium around it
• Stem cuttings need to be in a moist environment out of direct sunlight until they have rooted so either place in a cold frame, a covered propagator or cover with polythene, using supports to prevent the polythene from touching the cuttings. Root cuttings can be placed in a cold frame or sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and can benefit from a thin layer of grit on the growing medium surface
• Once the cuttings are well-rooted they can be potted on.

• Use in a ventilated place and avoid breathing in dust.
• Always wear gloves when gardening and wash hands after use.
• Close bag after use to avoid drying out and to prevent contamination and store in cool dry conditions.
• White mould: under certain conditions a white mould may appear on the surface of some of the particles in SylvaGrow Seed Compost. This is entirely normal and not harmful to humans, plants or pets.

• The polythene bag containing the product is strong enough to be re-used, for example, as a hanging basket liner, as a sturdy container for canes, or for taking green waste to the tip.
• The SylvaGrow packaging has been manufactured using at least 30% post-consumer waste plastic. We are working with our suppliers to increase this level as quickly as we can. The bag is 100% recyclable but check regionally for local recycling options.

• Fresh compost is always best. For great results use SylvaGrow within the season of purchase and preferably within a year of manufacture. Check on the side of the pack for the date of manufacture.
• See the Melcourt website for further information on use by dates.