Most gardeners love spring, for this is the time when their efforts throughout the year are rewarded, and a large proportion of their plants and flowers come into bloom. The visual display is reward enough for many, whilst others prefer to take their gardening a step further by growing for food. Vegetable gardeners may not create the beautiful flower displays that others do, but can benefit from eating their own produce and absorbing the vitamins and minerals from their own vegetable or fruit patch. Edible flowers can add a new dimension to gardening, as the art of using selected flowers in food is revived. Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) are an excellent source of flower seeds for all types of planting.

Eating flowers, either as part of a recipe or as a garnish or sweet treat goes back to ancient times, with various forms of raw and cooked flowers eaten in Roman and ancient Greek civilisations. Recently many top chefs and restaurants have taken up the practice and add floral garnishes to their cuisine. Many vegetable gardeners are not surprised by the use of flowers in cooking, as many commonly used vegetables are in fact flowers, such as artichoke, broccoli, cauliflower and even capers.

Some common edible flowers:

Nasturtiums
A peppery, fiery taste not unlike watercress, ideal for spicing up salad or adding to savoury snacks such as sandwiches, crackers with cheese or pate on toast.

Pansies
Taste sweet and fresh, with a mild flavour, ideal for adding colour to a salad or fruity dessert.

Marigold
A great alternative to expensive saffron, Marigolds add colour and a citrus taste. They are easy to grow and the flower seeds are cheap, so they really can save money in the kitchen!

Peony
Often made into tea in some parts of Asia, the petals are great for boiling as a hot drink or adding to cold drinks or meals in summer.

Primrose / Cowslip
Can be eaten and adds a nice garnish, but has a very mild taste which will not interfere with other flavours. It is easy to buy cheap seeds and grows well without help. Ideal for people who are trying edible flowers for the first time.

Roses
Roses can make a beautiful addition to any plate, however the white part of the petals should be removed, as they are very bitter. The coloured parts can taste different according to colour or specie, but are often compared to fruits. As roses are widely available as both plants and seeds online it is easy to cultivate a garden full of edible roses.

Angelica
Eaten widely throughout the world, both raw and candied. The flowers themselves go nicely with fish, and vary from lavender coloured to dark fuchsia. The overall taste is similar to celery.

It is essential to check before eating any type of flower or foliage as some can be poisonous or cause severe reactions in some people. If you are in any doubt visit Seeds By Post at http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/ for advice, or to buy seeds online.

Editor’s Note:
Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

You don’t have to have an unkempt garden with wild flowers and weeds left to run riot in order to attract wildlife. Simply make sure you buy seeds that grow into vplants which naturally attract a variety of birds, bees and small animals. Here’s a guide to some of the best wildlife-attracting seeds from Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/).

Alyssum Carpet of Snow

This is a great one for ensuring you’re attracting birds, bees and butterflies to every inch of your garden. Alyssum Carpet of Snow seeds will grow and spread well across beds, borders and rockeries but it does just as well in hanging baskets. That way you’ll have butterflies at eye level and above and bees and other insects gathering at your feet.

Antirrhinum Sachmo

Bees love trumpet shaped flowers and bright colours, and they don’t come much more vibrant or exotically shaped than the Antirrhinum Sachmo flower. These flower seeds will give you plants which will thrive in beds and borders and which will turn your garden into a wonderland for the bumble bee.

Butterfly Mix

If you want to attract butterflies to your garden then look no further than the Butterfly Mix packet of seeds. Part of our Seeds for Kids collection, this handy mixture will produce a range of flowers which butterflies flock to for nectar.

Bergamot

This is another flower which butterflies love for its nectar. This hardy perennial will flower a year after you’ve sowed the seeds and produce aromatic foliage and attractive flowers. Expect to find some hummingbirds and bumble bees making a beeline for Bergamot too.

Echinops Globe Thistle

The Echinops Globe Thistle is a hardy architectural plant which will provide a striking addition to your garden while attracting a wealth of bees and butterflies who feed off its beautiful blue globe-shaped flowers.

This is just a handful of the extensive mail order seeds available from Seeds By Post which will turn your back garden into a haven for wildlife. Check out the whole collection at http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/.

Editor’s Note:
Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

If you have young children or grandchildren it can be hard to keep them occupied on a rainy day, and even harder to do it on a budget. Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) are here to help with the seeds for kids range.

Making a grass head is an easy and cheap way of keeping a child occupied for a few hours, and will promote gardening, creativity and natural science. Simply follow the steps below and get making!

You will need:

• The legs off a pair of old tights, stockings or a popsock.

• A packet of grass seeds (our cat grass is ideal as it is cheap, trim-able and fast growing, although cress or mustard seeds would also work well).

• Soil or compost, from your own garden. (Fine sawdust can be mixed in to create a bulkier mix.)

• Elastic bands.

• Wobbly eyes or buttons.

• Red thread or wool for a mouth, and a blunt needle.

1. Pour two tablespoons of grass seeds into the toe of your sock.

2. Add a few trowel-fulls of compost or soil.

3. When the sock is quite full, tie the end securely and pull tight, creating a sturdy but malleable ball.

4. Turn the ball over so that the grass seeds are at the top. Use fingers to spread the grass seeds evenly under the fabric, so that they cover the top of the ball.

5. Twist a lump of soil at the front of the ball to create a nose. Tie this off with an elastic band. Repeat this technique on each side of the face to create ears.

6. Sew on your buttons or glue on your googly eyes above the nose. Make sure any glue used is not water soluble as it will disintegrate over time. Stitch the mouth carefully, (adults).

7. The tied-off end of the sock should now be dangling at the bottom of your grass head, this will help aid water absorption for your grass seeds. Place each grass head into an old cup or watertight plant pot. Use hands to mould each grass head to sit in the neck of a pot, and part fill with water. Make sure that the tied end of the fabric reaches well into the water.

8. Sit the new grass heads on a sunny windowsill, keep watered and protect from frost.

Children of all ages will enjoy making their own fun faces and adding their own touch to each grass head. Watering them, waiting for the grass seed ‘hair’ to grow and then being able to give their new friend a haircut will keep them occupied for many afternoons to come.

Why not look in craft and art shops for different accessory ideas, or try making different creatures by splitting the stocking into different sections. Simply use the elastic bands to split the main ball into different shapes.

Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) stock many different seeds for kids, simply check out our pages for more children’s gardening ideas.

Editor’s Note:
Seeds By Post http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

As we stock various types and brands of seeds online, including lots of vegetable seeds, Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) wanted to offer some guidance on the best way to grow the perfect Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner and your winter warmer menu.

Picking the perfect seeds is the first step in achieving tasty sprouts, and considering the different types and brands is a must. Check out our vegetable seeds page for information on each type. Think about when you would like to start harvesting your sprouts, the size and number you may be able to use, and whether you want a specific brand or breed. Asking friends or neighbours for advice may prove fruitful, as they may be able to tell you about any specific breeds that flourish in your local soil type.

It is a good idea to sow Brussels sprout seeds into smaller pots before planting out, as a smaller pot encourages the young plant to create a sturdy root ball for planting into the ground. Using seed trays is effective at first. Sow seeds thinly and prick out when about 1” or 2.5cm tall. If seedlings overcrowd they can end up tall and slim, which isn’t good for young sprout plants.

Transfer to individual small pots and leave until they are well established, at least 12cm high, and looking sturdy. The best soil to use is a lime or alkali based compost, which can be bought ready mixed or created using home compost and lime mix. It is worth investing in a PH testing kit or meter if you are a keen gardener, as many plants have a preferred acidity level. Brussels sprouts tend to do best in a PH of around 6 or 7.

Once your veg seeds have grown into healthy looking plants, it is time to plant them out into their permanent bed. It is recommended by some that this is done in the evening, although the benefits of this are unclear. The most important aspect of planting out Brussels sprouts seems to be soil density. If you are intending to use fertilisers or plant foods, make sure that the soil is well compacted after digging them in. It is important to have well compacted soil because it lends support to the roots and helps the fully grown plant stay upright. Some gardeners believe that well compacted soil makes the resulting sprouts firmer, and less likely to open early and spoil. Once opened up, sprouts lose their flavour and their edible nature. It may be best to dig in fertilisers or anything else which may disrupt soil density well in advance of planting out, or use an old bed that hasn’t been touched for a while.

Brussels sprouts, once well established, don’t mind sharing a bed with other, quicker growing crops. Lettuces, carrots, cabbages or any other veg can be grown alongside or in between your sprout plants, and their leaves, seeds and general compostable waste will contribute to the nutrients in the ground. Beds that have been previously used for veg are ideal for growing sprouts, as they will have richly fertilised soil and will not need raking over or disturbing before the new plants go in.

Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) offer a wide range of mail order seeds for delivery direct to your door, just place your order online for speedy shipment.

Editor’s Note:
Seeds By Post
http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Although Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) would never advise anyone to use herbs or plants that they weren’t sure about in any sort of food or medicine, we do offer a course designed to teach the proper identification and medicinal use of many herbs. The course is not designed to provide a herbalist or naturopath qualification but may be useful to those looking to use herb seeds and plants in their own basic preventative medicines.

Students can expect to learn how to distinguish between medicinal plants, food plants and those that have no practical use or are poisonous. Preparing their own folder of different species and families is part of the learning process, and leaves graduates with a resource they can keep and refer to in the future. Equally preparing their own plant and seeds collection of useful herbs can help learners to feel part of the course and offer a more hands-on approach.

Knowing the history of herbs as medicines and the changing attitudes towards herbal medicines, from the middle ages to the present day, is an essential part of understanding how some herbs have flourished and are readily available as seeds or plants in garden shops, while some are only found growing wild or have become extinct. Different nationalities and ethnic groups around the world have very different attitudes towards herbal or home medicine, and it may be interesting to look into your own background to discover how your ancestors might have felt, and what treatments would have been available to them for common illnesses.

Science plays a part in understanding herbal medicines and their effectiveness, and often it is the chemicals released in crushing seeds, boiling or drying herbs that create the formulas, tastes or smells that we can make use of. Examining the chemical composition of some herbs helps us to understand how they are effective in treating different ailments.

To fully grasp the use of herbal medicines it is essential to learn how different types of treatments were created, and how each ingredient is broken down and used. Techniques discussed and available to try include boiling, crushing, grinding and drying, of either herb seeds, roots stems or plants. Students are expected to demonstrate a knowledge of techniques and safety procedures when making medicines and will learn about tinctures, poultices, infusions and decoctions.

A study of how different circumstances may make response to chemicals or formulas specific to an individual are also looked at. Conditions such as pregnancy, certain illnesses or allergies may make certain people unsuitable candidates for herbal treatments, and many herbs should not be given to young children.

Identifying poisonous plants and their seeds is an important skill for anyone, and special attention is paid to analysis of poisons, their affect on the body and any possible cures or antidotes. Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) recommends that anyone looking to start their own herbal garden gains some knowledge of plant identification.

Editor’s Note:
Seeds By Post http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Here at Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) we’re proud to only stock the best seeds on the market from the most trusted brands in the UK. One particularly inspiring seeds range comes from the Eden Project, an educational charity and social enterprise which also produces flower and vegetable seeds of outstanding quality. Introducing the Eden Project range of flower seeds.

The Eden Project calls itself a “global garden: a place of beauty and wonder which explores humankind’s dependence on the natural world”. Far more than just a seeds supplier or garden centre, they use profits from the sales of their gardening and related products to “run transformational social and environmental projects [and] provide unforgettable learning experiences and valuable research into plants and conversation”. Quite a claim from a horticultural charity in Cornwall, but since its inception in 2001 it has become world renowned, not just for having the world’s largest greenhouse, but also because its products live up to their hype.

We’ve hand selected some of the Eden Project’s finest flower seeds to sell here at Seeds By Post, which range from delicate and enchanting to wild and exotic. The Cup and Saucer Vine Seeds develop delicate bell-shaped white flowers, while The Climbing Snapdragon is an enchanting climber which has exquisite snapdragon-like flowers and sensitive leaf stalks which cling to supports as the climber grows. When it comes to wildflowers, choose from the vibrant mix of Mediterranean Wildflower Mix Seeds, or hailing from a little further afield, the North American Wildflower Mix Seeds which create a stunning tapestry of colour. The Russian Campion Seeds fall into the exotic camp, with their unusual and fiery flowers in an orange-scarlet hue, topped off with deep bronze foliage.

These are also great seeds for kids as they not only introduce children to gardening, but also to thinking about the wider environment and humankind’s impact upon it. Why not buy some Eden Project seeds for your kids and, if you can make it down to Cornwall, then take them to see the impressive place itself, it makes for an inspiring greenfingered day out.

Take a look at the full range of flower and vegetable seeds from the Eden Project available from us here at Seeds By Post at http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/. And remember, just like all of our seeds, delivery is absolutely free when you buy with us.

Editor’s Note: Seeds By Post
http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Many customers are not aware that some seeds flourish when sown in the cold winter months, and certain seeds require a period of cold before germination can occur. By ordering seeds online from http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/ for winter sowing, or even to give as a Christmas gift, you can get a head start in spring!

Of course there are certain seeds that will rot and die in frosty or cold wet conditions, so it is essential to know which variety to sow, and to understand the principles of winter sowing. There are two main groups which benefit from winter sowing, these are hardy plants, from moderately cold countries, which naturally become exposed to cool weather over the winter months and become early, hardened plants that are well acclimatised and will flower sooner, or alpines and shrubs and trees from extremely cold climates, which require ‘stratification’ or cold frosty conditions, before they will germinate at all.

When buying seeds online for winter sowing, remember each seed has its own unique design which helps it to thrive in it’s own natural geographic location. Some (such as flower seeds) require warm spring temperatures and cannot survive freezing, particularly in damp or wet soil. Whilst others are designed for harsh frozen winters and cannot germinate until they receive a signal that winter has passed. One theory is that the shell of the seed is cracked by the winter frost, and that this is why some seeds benefit from having the shells broken or pricked before sowing, as it mimics this process.

In times gone by, the first crop of vegetable seeds or garden bed for spring was sow in autumn or winter, and a second at the beginning of spring to give two flowerings. In recent years using greenhouses and heated propagation or frost tunnels has taught gardeners to keep germinating plants warm, and the old methods have been forgotten.

For acclimatisation:

• Lathyrus (Sweet Pea)
• Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)
• Broad Beans
• Garlic bulbs
• Viola x wittrockiana (Pansy)
• Matthiola (Stock)
• Garden peas
• Certain Cabbages
• Iberis (Candytuft)
• Alcea (Hollyhock)
• Calendula (Pot Marigold)

For stratification:

• Hebe
• Helleborus
• Bonsai Tree
• Conifers
• Wisteria
• Clematis
• Iris
• Corydalis

Stratification should be done carefully. Only use seeds which you have researched thoroughly and are sure need stratification. Place them in a moist soil or sand mixture, and make sure that they are not so wet as to rot. They can be placed in a small plastic bag, then place outside in a sheltered spot for the winter. You can use a fridge instead, as this may recreate outside temperatures. Make sure that an adequate layer of soil, sand or compost is provided to prevent complete freezing, as this may cause permanent damage. Sowing in pots is an acceptable method, but do not cover with a ground or frost sheet, as this can give too much protection from the elements.

Looking for cheap mail order seeds is easy, just visit http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/ and choose from a wide range.

Editor’s Note: Seeds By Post
http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

There was a time when garden centres or high street shops were the only places where you could buy seeds, but the advent of the internet has changed all that. Now, more people are buying seeds online than ever before, Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) can happily report, and we think we know why.

In a word: ease. First, there is the ease of buying seeds online when it comes to choice. No more trawling a number of different shops to find the particular type of seed you want, or having to patronise a number of different garden centres to get the variety of seeds you require. Find a one-stop online seeds shop such as us here at Seeds By Post and you have everything you need under one cyber roof. What’s more, you can trust our expert growers to keep you abreast of the latest seed ranges so that you don’t miss out on a new variety. We stock all the major brands you would expect: Suttons, Thompson & Morgan, Unwins, Johnsons and Mr Fothergills.

Then there’s the ease of ordering. We understand that some older people may not be used to using the internet for online shopping, which is why we have made it as simple and secure as possible to buy seeds online through our Seeds By Post website. Simply click around at your leisure and you’ll soon see how easy it is to add products to your ‘basket’, take them out again should you change your mind, proceed to the check-out and make a purchase via our completely secure payment gateway, which accepts all major credit and debit cards. Your seeds are chosen, purchased and paid for, all from the comfort of your own home.

Finally, there is the ease of delivery. We offer a mail order seeds service which uses the Royal Mail to post your seeds purchase direct to your door within days, and the best part is that postage is complete free of charge. There’s no waiting for weeks for your order or being charged a hefty delivery fee for the privilege. Just a quick, easy and cheap way for you to keep your shed or greenhouse stocked up with the best flower, veg and herb seeds all year-round.

Take a look around the Seeds By Post website at http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/ and find out for yourself why people are choosing to buy their seeds online.

Editor’s Note: Seeds By Post
http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

You only have to turn the television on to any channel at any time of day to be reminded that gardening and cooking are two of the UK’s favourite pastimes. What better way to indulge both hobbies than by growing your own herbs to make your dishes even more delicious? Here at Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/), we have a mouthwatering array of herb seeds to choose from, all of which are sure to add a little something extra to your cooking.

Herbs are often the small addition to a recipe that elevates it to something special, giving it a depth of flavour and rounding off the dish. And of course there are some dishes which just wouldn’t be the same without the addition of herbs: imagine pesto without basil, Greek salad without oregano, curries without coriander.

Growing herb seeds at home means the cook of the house has a continual supply of the very freshest herbs to add to their cooking. No more searching for cumin in the shops only to find out they’ve run out; no more getting the supermarket-bought mint from the fridge to find it’s wilted away; and no more having to cook without an essential herb because you forgot to add it to your shopping list. Grow your own from seeds and keep them in the conditions they favour and you’ll have your own regular supply from your mini kitchen-garden of seeds. Fresh herbs just don’t compare to dried herbs, and growing from seed is one of the easiest ways to have access to the freshest of herbs.

Here at mail order seeds company Seeds by Post, we have a huge range of herb seeds from the top names of seeds suppliers in the UK. We also stock lots of variations of a particular herb – if you love basil, why not try Dark Opal Basil, Lemon or Lime Basil, Sweet Genovase Basil or the diminutive Basil Minette. The herb department of our seeds online store is also a great way to get inspired to try new herbs and even new dishes. We have explanations of all the herb seeds we sell, even giving tips on what types of dishes the herb would complement. Then, once you’ve stocked up, you simply and securely make your online purchase and we’ll send you your seeds by post at no charge – it couldn’t be simpler.

Take a browse through our herb seeds range and see what tempts your tastebuds – http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/.

Editor’s Note: Seeds By Post
http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

It can be easy to fall into a rut with your garden, turning to the same type of flowers you’ve always planted. Instead of gravitating towards the familiar flowers at your local garden centre, why not shake things up a bit and choose to grow from seed. flower seeds from mail order seed company Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) make for an inspired garden.

It’s only natural that the average gardener should, by and large, stick to what they know when it comes to growing flowers. After all, there’s nothing more disheartening than trying to grow a new flower type only to have it fail to flourish. But when you buy seeds from us here at Seeds by Post, you get access to a wealth of information on each and every seed type, from how to sow the flower seeds, to how to nurture your new flowers to bloom; what general conditions each flower type prefers and the flowering period. Suddenly, with all this information at your fingertips a new type of flower seems a doddle to sow, grow and enjoy.

Now you know you won’t pick the wrong flower type for the season or for the conditions of your growing space, you’re free to really get inspired. Browse through the huge number of cyber aisles of our flower seeds and you can really get carried away with the growing possibilities. From superbly colourful sweet peas to unusual ‘bunny tail’ grass; exotic Chilean ‘Glory Vine’, to delicate cornflowers, it’s easy to imagine a whole new type of garden, whether that’s a quaint English cottage garden or a wild burst of exotic colour.

It couldn’t be easier to refine your search down, which is handy given the huge amount of choice in our range of mail order seeds. Within the flower seeds department at SeedsByPost.co.uk you can search by the planting month if you want to get straight down to planting, or you can choose by the flowering month if you’re planning when you want your garden to look its best. If you’re still searching for inspiration then refine your search by flower type or category to cut down the choice a little – you can even search just for flower seeds that attract certain wildlife.

Shopping for flowers in this way really opens up the potential of your growing space, giving you a garden that you may never have imagined from walking the familiar aisles of your local garden centre. What’s even better is that you can do it all from the comfort of your home, with swift delivery straight to your door completely free of charge. Check out the full range of our flower seeds and get inspired at http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/.

Editor’s Note: Seeds By Post
http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.