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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 sweet tasting, pointed heads weigh around 0.5kg, but the outer leaves are also tender and can be cooked as well. Perfect to use as a side dish or in summer coleslaw.Sow thinly direct into a finely raked seedbed at a depth of 13mm (½in). Alternatively sow in modules and plant out after all risk of frost has passed.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.

Autumn cabbage, superceding our old favourite ‘Minicole’, ideal for close spacing. Good vigour for use on a wide range of soil types, particularly on less fertile soils. Good internal colour, dense 1kg heads can be cut and stored in November for winter use.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 35cm (14in) between plants in each direction. Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Use fleece to protect against caterpillars and aphids as necessary and use net during the winter to protect against pigeons.