SEEDS

Garlic chives, or Chinese chives, differ from ordinary chives in having flat leaves and have a delicate mild garlic flavour. They can be used in the same way as chives and are excellent in salads, stews, fish, egg or meat dishes. The blossom buds are a Chinese delicacy and can be eaten raw, stir fried or added to scrambled eggs.Sow seeds in spring in a good seed compost, just covering the seed with compost. Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 19-21C (65-70F).Transplant the seedlings when large enough to handle planting 4 seedlings in each 7.5cm (3in) pot. When well rooted move to a cold frame and plant out 2cm (8in) apart. Plant each potful so the soil level in the pot is about 5cm (2in) below the ground.<For best results plant in a sunny spot in rich fertile, well drained soil. The following spring draw up the soil around the plants and a first cut can be made 3-4 weeks later. 2 or 3 more cuts can be made or the leaves can be picked occasionally throughout the season

Cooking: Fennel is delicious, with a sweet and delicate aniseed flavour. Use in salads and with fish to counteract oiliness. Beauty: An infusion of Fennel used as a compress is excellent for softening rough chapped hands. Pour hot water over the leaves and stems for a cleansing facial steam bath. Nature's Remedy: Reputed use for many ailments, particularly regularising painful and abnormal menstrual periods. It has long been recommended to combat obesity and aid slimming, as an eyewash for sore eyes and as a gentle laxative. Steep 1 tablespoonful of freshly crushed seeds in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. Sweeten with honey to taste.Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow seeds in early spring outdoors where they are to grow, 12mm (½in) deep in rows 38cm (15in) apart.When large enough to handle thin out to 3cm (12in) apart.They prefer a sunny site and well drained soil but will grow in most sites and soils.

A bushy herb, resembling mint in appearance, with a strong lemon scent when rubbed. The leaves make a calming balm tea. Delicious added to stuffing, used with fish, poultry and even added to drinks to impart the lemon flavour. Can be invasive. Best grown in a pot/container.Start off in a seed tray or pots indoors, with good, free-draining, seed compost. Sow seed on the surface of seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at 20-25?C (68-77?F) until after germination which takes up to 21 days. Keep compost on the dry side at all times. Do not exclude light.Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for a few days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart. Apply a mulch of compost for added winter protection. Can be trimmed to keep compact.Apply a mulch of compost for added winter protection.

"Very versatile, for tangy mint sauce or garnish on new potatoes or peas.Cooking: The ideal accompaniment to roast lamb -for an unusual but delicious sauce mix with honey and lemon juice. Add to boiled new potatoes, peas, make mint jelly or garnish summer drinks.Companion Plant: Mint has a piquant aroma and as such is disliked by much of the insect world. Above all, plant mint close to all brassicas and it will repel the Cabbage White Butterfly and a sprig or two in your wardrobe will keep moths out of your clothes.Nature's Remedy: It has a remarkable reputation with indigestion, for calming the nerves, for soothing sleep and recurring sickness. Many herbalists claim it aids virility and can be used against Migraine. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoonful of chopped fresh leaves and leave to stand for 30 minutes. Take as required a tablespoon at a time."Sow seeds from late winter to early summer in John Innes Seed Compost. Do not cover the seeds with compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 7-16 days at 21-24C (70-75F).Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots. Later plant out 3cm (12in) apart into ordinary soil in part shade.