SEEDS

Due to having a smaller core, there is more leaf per plant and heads can be harvested as small as 0.5kg ranging to 1.5kg. ‘Pretino F1’ doesn’t take up as much space as other varieties.Sow thinly direct into a finely raked seedbed at a depth of 13mm (½in).Transplant with a trowel or dibber when large enough to handle allowing 45cm (18in) between plants each way. Grows best in well-cultivated soil liberally manured the previous autumn. If the weather is dry, water in well when transplanting. Alternatively sow in modules and plant out after all risk of frost has passed.

This summer cabbage is very slow to heart, remaining leafy at 350g (12oz) for regular harvests of compact 30cm (12in) leaves. The smooth, dark green leaves carry no stalk, leading to quicker prep and less wastage in the kitchen. Cook as traditional ‘greens’ or shred for use in salads, stir-fries and soups.Sow indoors from February to May, sow at a depth of 12mm (½in) in trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost and cover with a layer of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F) until germination which takes 4-7 days. Alternatively direct sow outdoors from late March into a well prepared seedbed. Sow at a depth of 13mm (½in) and distance of 23cm (9in) between rows.Once germinated, grow on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and plants have 2-3 true leaves. Plant at a distance of 50cm (20in) apart and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Place a collar around the stem of each plant to prevent cabbage root fly attacks.

The answer to thousands of gardeners’ prayers - a clubroot-resistant calabrese! Dense deep-green heads are produced on a compact plant. Enjoy healthy harvests of this tasty and nutritional calabrese-broccoli variety from July onwards. Boil, steam or add raw to salads.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.Transplant when large enough to handle, about 5 weeks from sowing, leaving 50cm (20in) between plants in each direction. Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Use fleece to protect against caterpillars and aphids as necessary.

An outstanding garden variety, producing a uniform crop of heavy, cylindrical rich orange skinned and fleshed roots of 25-30cm (10-12in) length. A maincrop variety with excellent flavour, roots resist 'greening of crowns' and cracking and have excellent storing capabilities. Sow thinly, 12mm (1/2in) deep in well-prepared soil, in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Thin out seedlings if necessary, to 2.5cm (1in) apart. Water only if necessary as excessive water may encourage leaf growth instead of roots. Earth up growing roots with soil to prevent green crowns. Cover later sowings with fleece or fine netting to minimise carrot fly infestation. Water soil beforehand, if dry, to make lifting easier."SERVING SUGGESTION: Boil, roast, slice or stir-fry, also blend roots for adelicious carrot juice."