Raising annuals indoors From Bedding Plants Compost/Potting soil Loam-based, peat-based and coir-based composts can all be used to raise bedding plants but each has its own special requirements. Try to avoid using more than one type at a time as this makes it more difficult to give each the care it needs. I avoid loam-based composts for bedding plants as the quality is very unpredictable, and a poor loam-based compost is difficult to improve. Peat-based composts are less variable and also lighter in weight, and bedding plants grow well in them. Coir (cocofibre) composts and other peat substitutes are relatively new and vary noticeably from brand to brand. My advice is to stick to one brand and get used to it. The one thing all coir composts seem to have in common is that the surface dries out quickly while underneath the compost remains moist, so careful watering is necessary. . The advantages of a greenhouse Raising plants on a windowsill Using a propagator or heated mat Choosing pots and trays Seed sowing technique After sowing the seed Pricking out the seedlings Looking after seedlings Planting out   Raising annuals indoors Annual Manual ©copyright 1999 Graham Rice. All Rights Reserved. All Images Digitally Watermarked.