SEEDS

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.

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

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.

Here is a high quality crisp head lettuce with small compact heads which are just the right size for the home gardener. The solid, crisp and tasty heads of Lettuce Lakeland are quick to mature and slow to bolt. Recommended for harvesting in succession from spring to July. Lettuce Lakeland can also be sown in October in cold frames or the cold greenhouse for cutting in early May."Sow seeds thinly from late winter to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart. A moist well drained soil which has had plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it's best to water the soil before sowing and to make sowings during the early afternoon.Lettuce Lakeland can also be sown in the autumn in a cold greenhouse to over winter for an early spring harvest. Provide good ventilation and water carefully to avoid splashing the leaves."Thin out gradually to 3cm (12in) apart.Harvest when the head feels firm. Pick on the young side to ensure maximum sweetness and flavour.