Seeds
There’s something quietly magical about growing plants from seed. One day it’s a tiny, unassuming speck in your hand; a few days later, a fresh green shoot appears and suddenly you’re checking it every morning like a proud plant parent. Will it work? Did you sow it right? And then—there it is. That moment never really gets old.
Raising plants from seed makes your garden feel more yours. It’s hands-on, rewarding and surprisingly calming, whether you’re squeezing in some sowing after work or making a weekend ritual of it with a coffee in hand. This year, why not try something new from the hundreds of seed varieties available at our garden centre?
Annuals: quick wins with maximum impact
If you’re after easy success and lots of colour, hardy annuals are the place to start. Varieties like love-in-a-mist, marigolds and nasturtiums are wonderfully low-effort: simply scatter the seeds straight into the soil in spring and let nature do the rest. From just a handful of seeds, you’ll get months of colour, pollinator-friendly blooms and that satisfying “I grew this from scratch” feeling.
Half-hardy annuals: summer colour that keeps going
Half-hardy annuals include many of the classic bedding plants that instantly lift patios, balconies and garden borders. Sow them under cover in spring—on a windowsill, in a mini greenhouse or shed—and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant displays all summer long. Think pelargoniums, petunias, surfinias and nemesia: perfect for containers and ideal if you love mixing colours and textures.
Perennials: grow once, enjoy for years
Perennials from seed are a brilliant long-term investment. Many are surprisingly easy to grow and will flower in their first year, then return bigger and better each season. Echinacea, rudbeckia, ornamental grasses like deschampsia and hardy geraniums add structure, colour and movement to your garden—without needing to be replanted every year.
Vegetable seeds: grow what you love to eat
Growing your own veg is about more than saving money—it’s about flavour, freshness and choosing varieties you’ll never find in the supermarket. Our extensive vegetable seed range covers everything from cucumbers and courgettes to swede and beyond. Love bold flavours? Try our heritage varieties. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with something different, like exotic vegetables such as tamarilloes, and turn your garden into a real talking point.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or still figuring things out as you go, our friendly team at our Emersons Green garden centre is always happy to help. Pop in for advice, inspiration or just a nudge towards your next seed-growing obsession. After all, every great garden starts with a single seed.
