Shop

Ideal for rich foods plus traditional sage and onion stuffing with duck and goose. A useful gargle for sore throats. And don't forget that Sage also looks great in the perennial border. Companion Plant: Reputed to ward off carrot fly planted next to carrots. With cabbage said to improve their flavour and digestibility and to repel Cabbage Moth and Cabbage White Butterfly.Sow seeds in early spring in good free draining seed compost, just covering the seed. Germination usually takes 10-21 days at 21-24C (70-75F).When seedlings are large enough to handle transplant into 8cm (3in) pots, grow cool and finally plant out 38cm (15in) apart into a sunny spot in free draining soil.For best results, provide any well-drained soil in full sun, however try to avoid acidic soils. The flavour of the leaves will be best in warm, dry conditions. To keep plants bushy, prune in spring to encourage new shoots with strong flavour. Harvest leaves as and when required once plants are well grown.

Similar to French tarragon, but producing a more vigorous plant. Russian Tarragon produces branching stems of lance-shaped, aromatic foliage can be used for tarragon vinegars, in white sauces and salad dressings, and with chicken, fish and egg dishes.Sow seeds April to May. Germinate at 15-20C (59-68F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Do not cover the seeds. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for 1-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 45cm (18in) apart.Will grow in any well drained soil.

Cooking: Fennel is delicious, with a sweet and delicate aniseed flavour. Use in salads and with fish to counteract oiliness. Beauty: An infusion of Fennel used as a compress is excellent for softening rough chapped hands. Pour hot water over the leaves and stems for a cleansing facial steam bath. Nature's Remedy: Reputed use for many ailments, particularly regularising painful and abnormal menstrual periods. It has long been recommended to combat obesity and aid slimming, as an eyewash for sore eyes and as a gentle laxative. Steep 1 tablespoonful of freshly crushed seeds in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. Sweeten with honey to taste.Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow seeds in early spring outdoors where they are to grow, 12mm (½in) deep in rows 38cm (15in) apart.When large enough to handle thin out to 3cm (12in) apart.They prefer a sunny site and well drained soil but will grow in most sites and soils.

A selected strain of Parlsey with tightly curled rich green leaf, ideal for garnishing, soups, stews etc. Parsley Champion Moss Curled is a fine windowsill pot plant which will supply fresh parsley on demand.Parsley will grow in ordinary soil in sun or part shade, but for best results prefers a rich moist soil. Soak the seeds overnight before sowing. Sow seeds outdoors from spring to mid summer. Earliest sowings can be made in the warmth during late winter and planted out in early spring after hardening off. Outdoors, sow 1cm ( ½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart.To harvest, pick over all the plants regularly to encourage fresh new growth.

Garlic chives, or Chinese chives, differ from ordinary chives in having flat leaves and have a delicate mild garlic flavour. They can be used in the same way as chives and are excellent in salads, stews, fish, egg or meat dishes. The blossom buds are a Chinese delicacy and can be eaten raw, stir fried or added to scrambled eggs.Sow seeds in spring in a good seed compost, just covering the seed with compost. Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 19-21C (65-70F).Transplant the seedlings when large enough to handle planting 4 seedlings in each 7.5cm (3in) pot. When well rooted move to a cold frame and plant out 2cm (8in) apart. Plant each potful so the soil level in the pot is about 5cm (2in) below the ground.<For best results plant in a sunny spot in rich fertile, well drained soil. The following spring draw up the soil around the plants and a first cut can be made 3-4 weeks later. 2 or 3 more cuts can be made or the leaves can be picked occasionally throughout the season