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GROWING

  • Popular and nutritious Kalettes® combine the best characteristics of kale and Brussels sprouts. Producing attractive rosettes of loose, frilly-edged buttons, this winter hardy favourite of savvy foodies and chefs has a sweet and nutty taste. Try it steamed, in stir fries or chopped raw in salads for a healthy hit of vitamins and other nutrients.Place seed in 7.5cm (3in) pots or a seed tray of a good free-draining seed compost and cover with a 6mm (¼in) layer of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag at a temperature of around 15°C (59°F) until after germination, which takes up to 7 days.Transplant when large enough to handle about 5 weeks from sowing, to 60cm (24in). Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Fleece against caterpillar and aphid as necessary, and net against pigeons during the winter.
  • "Attractive, purple-skinned roots with pure white, succulent flesh, best eaten when golf ball size, although the flesh still remains succulent and bitter free when roots are larger. Easy to grow, quick to mature in under 8 weeks from sowing. Plants have a neat, compact growth making them ideal for early sowings under cloches or fleece. Prefers well-drained, moist, rich soil in full sun. A rich source of the provitamin A, vitamins C and K and folate as well as the antioxidant carotenoids b-carotene and lutein."Sow March to July, at 4 week intervals. Sow thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart.Thin seedlings to 7cm (3in) apart for small bulbs, or 1-15cm (4-6in) for larger bulbs. Keep moist at all times for the most succulent roots and to minimise woodiness, bitter flesh and bolting.
  • New breeding has led to these 2-3kgs bulbs which remain tender, non-woody and full of flavour raw or cooked. Tasty ‘eat all’ vegetable. Resists bolting.Sow in individual pots or a seed tray of good seed compost and cover with 6mm (¼in) of compost or vermiculite. Maintain at a temperature of 15°C (60°F) until germination which will take around 7-10 days. Alternatively, seeds can be sown thinly, 12mm (½in) deep, in a prepared seedbed.SERVING SUGGESTION: Slice mature roots for batons or fry lightly in batter or breadcrumbs for fritters. High in vitamin C and antioxidant content.
  • Indispensable salad plant, regularly included in mixed salad leaves in supermarket packs. The rich green, soft textured, slightly nutty but mild flavoured leaves are rich in vitamin A, B and C and also iron, potassium and other nutrients.Sow thinly, 1cm (1/2in) deep in broad drills 30cm (12in) apart.Thin seedlings as necessary to 5cm (2in) apart when large enough to handle, thinnings will be suitable for using in salads. Keep watered during spells of dry weather.
  • Performs outstandingly whether sown early or late and does well over a long season. Leek Autumn Giant 2 Argenta matures in October, yet stands ready for harvest right through to May, giving high quality, thick, long and very heavy stems, of excellent mild flavour and yield with few bolters. NIAB Recommended.Leeks prefer ordinary well drained soil in sun or semi shade and can follow early peas or potatoes. Sow seeds in early spring outdoors in a well prepared seed bed. Sow seeds thinly 1cm (½ inch) deep in drills 23cm (9inches) apart.In early summer lift the seedlings carefully and plant 15 to 38cm (6 to 15 inches) apart, making 15cm (6 inches) deep holes and inserting seedlings as far as the first leaf. Then fill the hole with water NOT SOIL. Earth up the stems as growth develops
  • The ideal leek for extra hardiness in winter, Leek ‘Blauwgroene Herfst- Murcia’ is a variety that can be harvested from October through to January. For best results, plant out from mid-June to mid-July and earth up from late August to help to increase the length of the tasty stems.Sow indoors 4-5 seeds in 5cm (2in) pots or used vending cups, or very thinly in a seed tray of good quality seed compost. Cover with 6mm (¼in) of vermiculite or compost, and maintain at a temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F) until germination. Outside, sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant from mid-June to mid-July to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem.
  • An excellent pale green leaved variety for gardeners and cooks who want long, slender, bulb free stems for summer and early autumn dishes. Tall plants which will benefit from additional ‘earthing up’, can be ready for harvesting mid-July to October before Leek rust strikes. Not a winter hardy variety.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of blanched stem.Delicious baked in a rich cheese sauce. Has the benefit of a green vegetable and a mild onion. High in folic acid, potassium, pro-vitamin A and vitamin C. Contains beneficial sulphur compounds as well as a potent antioxidant called quercetin.
  • If you’re looking for a strong growing autumn variety of leek with long white stems that resist becoming ‘bulby’ then Leek ‘Mercurian F1’ is ideal for you. An upright, non-drooping leaf habit allows for good air circulation which minimises the risk of mould or infection.Sow indoors 4-5 seeds in 5cm (2in) pots or used vending cups, or very thinly in a seed tray of good quality seed compost. Cover with 6mm (¼in) of vermiculite or compost, maintaining a temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F) until germination. Outside, sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant from May to July to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem.
  • Leek Musselburgh Improved is a very hardy and exceptionally fine strain of this popular mid season variety.Leeks prefer ordinary well drained soil in sun or semi-shade and can follow early peas or potatoes. Sow seeds in early spring outdoors in a well prepared seed bed. Sow seeds thinly 1cm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart.In early summer lift the seedlings carefully and plant 15x38cm (6x15in) apart, making 15cm (6in) deep holes and inserting the seedlings as far as the first leaf. Then fill the hole with water NOT SOIL. Earth up the stems as growth develops and harvest
  • A visually stunning leek with great flavour. This British-bred maincrop leek variety shows excellent winter hardiness, allowing for harvests through December to March. The blue-green leaves turn a stunning shade of purple as the coldest winter temperatures set in.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem.
  • Perfect variety for planting out in September under a cloche or in a cold greenhouse. It will reliably provide tasty and delicious hearts during winter. Produces large, tight hearts perfect for salads and sandwiches.Autumn sowings should be grown under cloches or in a cold greenhouse for overwintering. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 13mm (½in) in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Make regular sowings for a constant supply. Can also be started off in modules or seed trays.When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects.
  • Extend your lettuce harvesting season with this outstanding ‘iceberg type’ variety. Resistance to tipburn, bolting and downy mildew means that Antartica stands well in good condition. The dense hearts, with plenty of crunchy flavour, are ideal for summer salads.Sow thinly at regular intervals, 12mm deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart.Thin seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart when large enough to handle. Water well during dry periods.Water lettuce frequently and hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing. Dry weather may cause heads of lettuce plants to bolt so watering is particularly critical during the 2 weeks before harvesting. A thick mulch applied around the plants will help to retain moisture in the soil. Harvest lettuce when required by pulling up the entire plant before trimming off the stem with a knife.
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