We're receiving phone calls from customers who are ready to sow their Cotswold Seeds but don't know whether it’s too early.

With a late frosts still a possibility, you need to wait to sow diverse mixtures featuring clover & herbs, which are not frost tolerant during establishment. The soil needs to be warm enough for germination to be effective, and to last long enough for the plants to develop their root structure.

You can test the temperature of the soil with a thermometer, inserted to a depth of about 5cm. It's best to re-test after a couple of days to ensure consistency as an overnight frost, for instance, will cause a temporary dip.

This handy graphic should explain everything you need to know in a very simple format to make sure you don't plant your grasses or legumes too soon.