Raising annuals indoors From Bedding Plants The advantages of a greenhouse Few gardeners erect a greenhouse specifically for the raising of bedding plants; an existing greenhouse will usually be used. However, the one feature of a new greenhouse that would be a great advantage to the bedding plant raiser is a built-in partition dividing off a small area, perhaps one third of a 12ftx8ft (4mx2.5m) greenhouse. Some greenhouse manufacturers can supply a partition to fit into an existing structure but if this is not possible a carefully fitted rigid polythene sheet will do the job. This small, partitioned area can be heated in early spring, when heating is at its most expensive, without having to waste energy on heating the whole greenhouse. A propagator can be installed in this area and, since, it is already in a slightly heated environment, will itself use less energy. A thermostatically controlled heated mat could also be used on the staging in this area. Alongside the greenhouse, a cold frame is invaluable, especially in those last frosty nights of spring when so many plants demand protection and facilities become very congested. This can be an off-the-shelf aluminium structure or, better still, a home-made frame constructed of insulating blocks, old railway sleepers or tongue-and-grooved boards which can be built as large as (or preferably larger than) needed, and topped with glass- or polythene-glazed lights.   Raising plants on a windowsill Using a propagator or heated mat Choosing pots and trays Compost/Potting soil 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.