SEEDS

"In recent years we have introduced and developed vegetables that have achieved real steps forward in yield, flavour, space saving, disease tolerance; etc. This bean fits into this category and is outstanding in every way.Almost foolproof, it attains huge crops from a small area. Long, broad, completely stringless, very fleshy 25-30cm (10-12in) pods. Very heavy cropping, often averages 40 pods per plant. As it is a shy seeder there is more juicy fleshy edible area, which accounts for the exceptional flavour. Compared with other runner beans it is much more productive under dry weather conditions. White flowered."Prefers fertile, moist yet well drained soil which has had plenty of well rotted compost dug into it the previous autumn. For an early start sow seeds from mid spring in artificial heat (propagator, greenhouse, warm room) in peat pots and plant out after last expected frost. Outdoors do not sow until at least 10 days after last frost, 5cm (2in) deep. Sow 2 seeds every 30cm (12in) in rows 38cm (15in) apart.Remove weaker seedlings after germination. Ensure soil is warm and avoid it becoming baked hard. Water regularly and liquid feed every 14 days during mid summer. A thick mulch will help conserve moisture.Pick regularly on the young side to ensure top quality and prolonged cropping.

A major breakthrough in British breeding of Runner Beans. This unique, profusely white flowering variety combines the beneficial characters of French Beans into Runner Beans. Extra smooth, very fleshy, stringless, 25cm (10in) pods with a great texture and traditional Runner Bean taste. The vastly improved flower setting means an earlier and continual crop even during poor weather. Dark green foliage.Sow mid to late April indoors for transplanting. Sow seed 5cm (2in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays of good, free-draining, seed compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at 18-20°C (64-68°F) until after germination which takes 7-10 days.Gradually acclimatise indoor grown plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out after risk of frost, against canes or netting. Hoe regularly and keep well watered. Mulch during dry periods and give a liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks.

RHS AGM Winner, producing the heaviest yield of quality pods at the most recent Wisley Runner Bean trial. British bred bicoloured red and white flower, much earlier, heavier cropping with superior quality, smoother, fleshy, pale green 25-30cm pods when compared to 'Painted Lady'. The straight pods of Runner Bean St George have good 'snap' with little string or fibre if picked regularly whilst young."Sow seeds mid April indoors for transplanting, late April to June outdoors. Sow in 7.5cm (3in) pots at 18-20C (64-68F), 4cm (1½in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which takes 7-10 days.Seeds can also be sown direct outdoors once the soil has warmed, 15cm (6in) apart, 5cm (2in) deep and in rows 45cm (18in) apart. For even earlier crops, this variety can be pinched out and grown as a low Bush Bean."Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 7-1 days before planting out after all risk of frost, against support such as canes or netting.Hoe regularly and keep plants well watered. Mulch during dry periods.

A bright blend of coloured salad leaves, Bright & Spicy Salad Leaves consist of milder flavoured Pak Choy Golden Yellow, Choy Sum and Mizuna, plus a hint of spice from the Greek cress and mustard Red Frills. Bright & Spicy Salad Leaves are delightful added to salads, sandwiches and garnishes."Sow seeds March to September outdoors, October to February under glass and all the year round on the windowsill.Sow seeds thinly, 13mm (½in) deep in pots of multipurpose compost on the windowsill, larger containers on the patio, or sow in drills 23cm (9in) apart in the garden."Thin seedlings if necessary when large enough to handle to 1cm (4in) apart.If sown in the garden keep weed free and water well during dry periods. Harvest a few leaves from each plant regularly.