Seed tray setup in Exeter
Professional seed tray setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
1 hr
Location
Exeter, Devon
Seed trays filled and planted for you. I'll handle the fiddly seed sowing while you get on with other things - perfect start to your growing season.
Why Bother Getting Help With Seeds?
Because it's time-consuming and fiddly, and if you're juggling work, kids, or just a busy life, the growing season can pass you by before you've even started. An hour of my time gets you weeks ahead on your veg or flower growing.
💡 Pro tip: Starting seeds properly makes all the difference. Right compost, right depth, right spacing - you'll get stronger plants and better germination rates.
What Makes Good Seed Sowing?
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Seed compost (fine and free-draining) | Multi-purpose (too heavy for seeds) |
| Correct depth (usually 2x seed size) | Too deep or sitting on the surface |
| Properly spaced | Scattered randomly |
| Clearly labeled with variety and date | "I think these are tomatoes?" |
The Process
🔧 What Happens
| Stage | What I Do |
|---|---|
| Prep | Fill trays with seed compost, firm gently, level off |
| Sow | Plant seeds at correct depth and spacing for each variety |
| Label | Write clear labels with variety name and date |
| Brief | Quick chat about watering, light, and when to expect germination |
📦 You're Left With
- Trays ready to sit on your windowsill, greenhouse, or coldframe
- Clear labels so you know what's what
- Simple care instructions
- More free time to actually enjoy gardening!
Pricing Guide
| Trays | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 5-10 standard trays | 1 hr | £60 |
| 10-20 trays | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| 20-30 trays (keen gardener!) | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Times vary depending on seed types.
Perfect For...
✅ Busy people who want to grow but lack time for setup
✅ New gardeners who aren't confident with seed sowing yet
✅ Enthusiastic growers who've bought loads of seeds and can't face the faff
✅ Elderly gardeners - fiddly finger work gets harder with arthritis
Why Choose Us for Seed tray setup in Exeter?
Trays filled with proper seed compost
Seeds sown at the right depth and spacing
Everything labeled clearly
Advice on watering and care
What to Expect
Step 1: Quick Chat
You show me what you want planted and where the trays/compost are. I'll check everything's suitable and we'll confirm the plan.
Step 2: Fill & Sow
I work through your seed packets systematically - filling trays, sowing at the right depth, firming gently. Neat, organized, labeled.
Step 3: Aftercare Brief
Quick run-through of what each tray needs - watering, light requirements, expected germination time. Then I'm out of your way.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to do it yourself? Here's how to get good results:
🔧 Essential supplies
- Seed compost (not multi-purpose!)
- Clean seed trays or modules
- Plant labels and waterproof marker
- Spray bottle or watering can with fine rose
- Your seeds (obviously!)
🌱 The method
- Fill trays with seed compost, firm gently (not compacted)
- Check packet for sowing depth - usually 2x the seed diameter
- For tiny seeds (lettuce, carrots), scatter thinly on surface
- For larger seeds, make proper holes at correct spacing
- Cover with compost (or vermiculite for seeds needing light)
- Label immediately with variety and date
- Water gently from below or mist top
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Using garden soil or multi-purpose compost
- Sowing too thickly (you'll waste seeds and seedlings will be weak)
- Forgetting to label (you will NOT remember which is which)
- Drowning them - moist, not waterlogged
💡 Pro trick: For really fine seeds (petunia, lobelia), mix them with dry sand before sowing. Makes it much easier to distribute evenly and avoid clumps.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌱 Provide the materials: You supply trays, compost, and seeds - I do the labor. This keeps costs down and means you choose exactly what varieties to grow.
Greenhouse staging assembly? If you've got flat-pack staging to put up or propagators to assemble, we can do it all in one visit. Just mention it when booking.
Regular help available: Some customers book me for spring setup, then again mid-summer for second sowings. Whatever works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in seed tray setup?
I'll fill your trays with seed compost, sow your seeds at the correct depth and spacing, label everything clearly, and give you simple aftercare instructions. You provide the trays and seeds - I do the fiddly work.
Do I need to provide the compost and seeds?
Yes - this keeps costs down and means you get exactly what you want to grow. If you're unsure what to buy, I'm happy to advise before the appointment. Seed compost, not multi-purpose, works best.
How many trays can you do in an hour?
Depends on what you're planting - small seeds like lettuce are quicker, bigger seeds take more time. Usually 10-15 standard seed trays in an hour. I'll give you a better estimate once I know what you're growing.
Can you help with a greenhouse setup too?
Absolutely. If you need staging assembled, propagators set up, or general greenhouse organization, just mention it when you book. We can tackle it all in one visit.
What's the best time of year for this?
February-April for most veg and bedding plants, though it varies by what you're growing. If you're not sure on timing, I'll advise based on what you want to plant.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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