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An early maturing, vigorous and uniform Red Cabbage with deep red, solid and compact heads. The remarkably sweet flavour and high quality makes Cabbage Ruby Ball ideal for cooking as well as pickling. For late summer/autumn cropping.Sow seeds outdoors in a well prepared seed bed in early spring. Sow seeds thinly 12mm ( ½in) deep in rows 23cm (9in) apart. If the soil is dry water well and allow to drain before sowing.Transplant at the 5-6 leaf stage 6cm (24in) apart in rows 6cm (24in) apart. The soil should be firm and contain plenty of well rotted compost etc, preferably from a previous crop, it should also be well limed.Hoe regularly and don't allow the soil to dry out. From a late winter sowing under glass the heads are ready in July.

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.

A modern bred variety with large, uniform roots. Produces big, healthy plants. Interiors stay firm, even when roots are large. Holds well in the ground. Upright plant results in less splash from rain and are less prone to celery leaf spot.SOWING INSTRUCTIONS: Sow in a propogator on a windowsill or in a greenhouse at minimum 18°C (64°F) using a good quality, peat-free compost. Cover the seeds with 3mm sieved compost until germination which can take 14-21 days.GROWING INSTRUCTIONS: Transplant seedlings individually into 7cm pots or trays to grow on. After hardening off, plant out 25-30cm (10-12in) apart in rows 40cm (16in) apart after frosts.Water regularly in dry weather to encourage the bulb to swell, removing lower leaves to encourage further growth.

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.

Enjoy this versatile and increasingly popular vegetable as salad leaves when young, or when more mature, the leaves can be steamed and used like spinach. The broad, white stems can be chopped and cooked like celery or used to add crunch to salads and stir fries.Sow seed thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Sow ‘little and often’ for a continuous supply. Cloche later sowings for harvesting into December.Thin seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart for ‘midi’ plants or 30cm (12in) for mature plants. Thinnings are suitable for using in salads. Water summer sowings regularly to prevent bolting (running to seed). Harvest stems as required, picking only a few from each plant at a time.