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A superb, high quality cauliflower which is totally winter hardy. The deep creamy white curds of Cauliflower Walcheren Winter Pilgrim are compact and freely produced, giving you an outstanding variety which is the result of intense modern breeding. Heavy cropperSow seeds from May to June. Germinate at 15-20C (59-68F) in trays on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a layer of vermiculite, 1.5mm (1/16in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 4-10 days.Transplant seedlings, when large enough to handle into individual cells or in trays, space by 5cm (2in). Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out from July to August. Plant 7x7cm (28x28in) apart. Water well until established especiallyTo avoid clubroot, grow Brassicas on a different site each year.
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Unique red-hearted Chinese cabbage (or chinese leaves) best grown as an autumn crop for optimum quality. The intense red heart leaves fade to pink at the base making very attractive additions to salads and stir-fries. Fully-formed hearts can be harvested from 75 days.Sow in individual pots or a seed tray of good seed compost and cover with 6mm (¼in) of compost or vermiculite. Maintain a minimum temperature of 15°C (60°F) until germination which will take around 5-7 days. Alternatively, sow thinly directly into a prepared seedbed at a depth of 12mm (½in) deep, allowing 30cm (12in) between rows.Transplant when large enough to handle, after about 4 weeks from sowing to 30cm (12in) between rows and 30cm (12in) between plants in the row. Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Use fleece to protect against caterpillars and aphids as necessary.
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With a compact habit, this British-bred variety produces solid, well-filled heads with a short core, averaging 500g. This crunchy sweet-tasting cabbage has dark green outer leaves with bright green pointed heads. Use for ‘full heart’ cabbages or planted closer together for ‘greens’.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 5-7 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. Can also be planted at 25cm (10in) spacings each way for ‘semi-hearted greens’. Use fleece to protect against caterpillars and aphids as necessary and use net during the winter to protect against pigeons.
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New breeding in more compact, upright barrel heads which can be planted as close as 30cm x 30cm, and so ideal for the smaller garden.Sow under glass, ideally in modules of good seed compost 6mm (¼ in) deep. Can also be sown outdoors in a prepared seedbed, 13mm (½ in) deep.Transplant when large enough to handle, approx 3 weeks from sowing, into well prepared, firm soil allowing 30cm (12in) between plants and 40cm (16in) between rows for optimum head size, or 30cm x 30cm ( 12in x 12in) for less heavy heads. Keep plants well watered to avoid bolting. Cover with fine netting/ enviromesh to deter birds and cabbage caterpillar attack
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The slender fruit of ‘Violet Knight’ are an Oriental/Indian type that are produced in abundance and are easy to prepare. They are incredibly versatile in the kitchen.Sow in a propagator on a windowsill or in a greenhouse at approximately 15-20°C (60-68°F) using a good quality, finely sieved, moist seed compost.Transplant seedlings into individual 7.5cm (3in) pots when large enough to handle. Plant in final growing position 45cm (18in) between plants or into 30cm (12in) pots add canes/string to support plants as they grow.
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Oriental/Indian aubergines which produce lots of long, stunning creamy/white fruit reaching 17-20cm long which are becoming more popular with chefs due to the ease of slicing and chopping compared to the blocky traditional types.Sow in a propagator on a windowsill or in a greenhouse at approximately 15-20°C (60-68°F) using a good quality, finely sieved, moist seed compost.Transplant seedlings into individual 7.5cm (3in) pots when large enough to handle. Plant in final growing position 45cm (18in) between plants or into 30cm (12in) pots add canes/string to support plants as they grow.
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The leaves of Comfrey (Symphytum), which can be harvested several times a season, are used as a compost activator helping the breakdown of other compost materials. Also used as a mulch, or is superb used as a liquid manure on tomato and potatoes plants. Comfrey grows in any soil, preferably moist, in sun or part shade. Height to 120cm (4ft).Sow seeds March to June in a seedbed or in pots indoors. Sow seeds thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Seeds can also be sown in pots or trays under glass and transplanted.Transplant when large enough to handle to 6cm (2ft) apart between plants.Keep well-watered until established. Cut leaves regularly throughout the summer and autumn.
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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.
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Modern breeding has produced a more dwarf habit where the leaves remain green and healthy without yellowing or bolting. Rounded, white bulbs have a delicious aniseed flavour. Try grating a bulb and chopping up some leaves to add to mixed summer and autumnal salads.Sow seed in pots or trays using a good free-draining seed compost 6-13mm (¼-½in) deep at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Germination usually takes 7-14 days.Transplant/plant out once all risk of frost has passed, 30cm (12in) between plants, in rows 45cm (17in) apart.
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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
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Excellent flavoured, well domed, small beaded heads of good colour. Broccoli Belstar F1 keeps in good condition for a long time, producing plenty of side shoots once the centre head is cut. Plant in succession for summer-autumn harvesting.Sow seeds April to June. Sow seeds thinly in a well prepared seedbed, 1cm (½in) deep, successionally.Plant out when large enough to handle allowing 38cm (15in) apart each way.Prefers moist, rich, well drained soil. Harvest June to October.
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An unusual, deep red-coloured carrot variety that produces consistent, medium-sized 17.5cm (7in) roots which boast equivalent flavour and crunchy texture to orange carrots. Sweet and tasty grated into salads!Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep, in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Thin seedlings to 5cm (2in) apart when large enough to handle, and grow under enviromesh to reduce risk of carrot root fly attack. Keep well watered for best quality roots.SERVING SUGGESTION: Chunks of the sweet flesh are delicious in salads or used as dippers with cream cheese.