Gardening Methods

Basics of seed propogation, particularly with regard to timing.?

As a novice gardener, having had some success this year in growing seeds – having read many gardening books etc., I am trying to understand the fundamental rationale regarding the timing of sowing seeds. For example, I have just purchased some spring cabbage seeds, but the packet says to sow in May-July, plant out September/October. What would happen if I sowed them now – end August (in UK) – and are there conditions in which I could sow them now to play catch up? Would they grow successfully, or would it be a waste of effort (and compost)? What is magical about sowing between May and July? Thanks for any expert advice.

as they are spring cabbage seeds you are a bit late but as winters are seeming to be milder nowadays i think you will get away with it the plants will need to be in the ground a good month before the frosts start to hit us
the plant needs to build up strength to be able to see the winter out then start to filling out ready for gathering in april may
the later you are planting them then obviously the harvest will be put back
get sowing quickly and you should get away with it
the other point is you dont say where you are based as these months will obviously be very different between say kent yorkshire and mid scotland

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: The Children’s Garden