Why use transplants

Most commercial organic growers use transplants. This method allows seed to be sown early, independent of weather or soil conditions. Our plants are grown under glass and an environmental computer controls heating and ventilation. Beneficial insects are introduced to control pests. The plants are strong and healthy, ready to compete effectively with weed seedlings.

Why buy them from us?

We grow all the plants ourselves. Delfland Nurseries Ltd is the leading commercial organic propagator - 2009 is our twelfth season as Soil Association registered plant raisers and we are inspected every year. Your plants will be of the same high quality that we supply to large-scale growers. Plants are taken from the glasshouses and packed the same day in cool conditions.

What are the plants like?

All plants are grown in larger wedge-shaped cells or cylindrical plugs than most mail order vegetable plants. Plant height varies with variety but 7.5cm (3in) is typical (excluding roots). Grown in re-usable plastic trays, the plants are removed from the trays just before they are packed. Plants should be planted straight away.

All our plants are grown from organic or untreated seed. Some varieties have changed due to the availability of organic seed. The selection of plant varieties has also been influenced by our experience with:

• commercial organic growers in the UK
• independent trials by NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany)
• our nursery shop
• our own kitchen garden
• gardens and allotments of family and friends

How we grow and pack our plants ....

Glasshouse plants are grown in cylindrical plugs with biodegradable paper wrappers. The rest are grown in wedge-shaped cells 4.5cm (1¾") deep, 3cm (1¼") square at the top, except leeks, onions and shallots which are 2.5cm (1") square. Plants are taken from the nursery to a cool room on the day of delivery where they are removed from our re-usable growing trays and put into plastic bags. The cardboard boxes can be recycled or added to your compost heap.
Full planting instructions are included.

We also offer a range of flowers for companion planting.