SEEDS

Increasingly popular vegetable for early summer to autumn harvesting. Once the central head has been cut, there are plenty of tender sideshoots over several weeks if cut regularly.Sow seed thinly 6mm (¼in) deep, and cover with a sprinkling of dry vermiculite or finely sieved compost. Place the seed and tray in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag and keep at around 18-21?C (65-70?F) until seeds germinate. This will take about 4-7 days.When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or multi-cell trays. Plant out once the plants are approximately 10-15cm (4-6in) tall, into well-prepared soil allowing 38cm (15in) apart each way. Alternatively, sow thinly in a well-prepared seedbed, 1cm (½in) deep, and plant out when large enough to handle allowing 38cm (15in) apart each way. Sow successionally for extended harvest.To continue the organic life cycle of these seeds, gardeners should follow recognised organic growing methods, avoiding the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides.

"This is a reliable outdoor trailing cucumber variety, producing large yields of 20cm (8in) long, dark-skinned fruits from July when harvested regularly.Plants show some resistance to powdery and downy mildew. Do not remove the male flowers.""Sow seed 1cm (½in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of free-draining compost. Place pots in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag and keep at 21-25?C (70-77?F) until after germination which usually takes7-10 days. "Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out 1m (3ft) apart after all risk of frost is gone. Do not remove the male flowers. Best grown outdoors to trail on the soil. Pick fruits regularly when small to ensure continuous cropping. Feed and water regularly for increased yields.To continue the organic life cycle of these seeds, gardeners should follow recognised organic growing methods, avoiding the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides.

"A well known, very useful salad plant, rocket can be used raw in salads or cooked lightly when it makes a delicious spinach substitute. Late summersowings of rocket will carry on cropping into the winter if the plants are protected by cloches."Sow March to September, thinly in a well prepared seedbed in full sun or partial shade, 13mm deep in drills 30cm apart. Can also be sown under glass all the year round for fresh leaves continually.Thin out seedlings to 15cm apart, or leave unthinned and pick as ‘baby leaves’. Keep well watered to minimise bolting (running to seed) and pick young leaves regularly for best flavour.

Produces a mound of loose, oak leaf shaped leaves for regular picking for several weeks. Does not produce a solid heart. Good resistance to bolting (running to seed).Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods.When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart. Harvest as and when required.Lettuce is a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin A.