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Beat devastating downy mildew which can often ruin onion crops with this highly resistant variety. Handsome, pale-brown-skinned bulbs are ready to harvest in late summer and are excellent for storage.Sow seed indoors in individual pots or in a seed tray at a depth of 6mm (¼in) using free-draining, seed-sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F) until after germination which usually takes 10-12 days. Once germinated, grow on at 10-15°C (50-59°F) until all risk of frost has passed and plants are large enough to plant outdoors - usually at the 3-4 leaf stage - at a distance of 10cm (4in) apart. Cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water thoroughly after planting and as bulbs swell. Alternatively, sow outdoors mid March to mid April thinly at a depth of 1cm (½in) and a distance of 30cm (12in) between rows.
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A splendid exhibition variety of golden merit producing large globe shaped onions with a rich, golden straw coloured skin. As well as being a super show variety, Onion Ailsa Craig is also one of the best varieties for general cultivation producing large onions with an excellent mild flavour. Onion Ailsa Craig can also be autumn sown.Sow seeds during mid-late winter in a good seed compost, just covering the seeds with compost. Germination takes 14-21 days at 19-21C (65-70F). Higher temperatures may prevent germination.Transplant seedlings when 36mm (1½in) high into 9cm (3½in) pots. Making sure the tiny bulb is not covered. When well rooted move to a cold frame and plant out in early spring at 38cm (15in) apart in a sunny spot in a rich fertile soil.Keep the soil moist during dry spells. As the leaves start to yellow bend over the tops, leave 14 days then lift and store when thoroughly ripened.
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Wild Rocket is becoming increasingly popular for its spicy, peppery flavour, adding life to salads, sandwiches and garnishes. With successional sowings in an unheated greenhouse, this tasty wild rocket will provide fresh, peppery salad leaves virtually all year round.March to August, thinly in a well prepared seedbed in full sun, 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Can also be sown in pots under glass from February to October for fresh leaves virtually all year round.Thin out seedlings to 23cm apart, or leave unthinned and pick as ‘baby leaves’. Keep well watered to minimise bolting running to seed) and pick young leaves regularly for best flavour.
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The ideal leek for extra hardiness in winter, Leek ‘Blauwgroene Herfst- Murcia’ is a variety that can be harvested from October through to January. For best results, plant out from mid-June to mid-July and earth up from late August to help to increase the length of the tasty stems.Sow indoors 4-5 seeds in 5cm (2in) pots or used vending cups, or very thinly in a seed tray of good quality seed compost. Cover with 6mm (¼in) of vermiculite or compost, and maintain at a temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F) until germination. Outside, sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant from mid-June to mid-July to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem.
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Delightful dark red incurved leaves with attractive contrasting green centres. Saxo can be sown in small amounts throughout the growing season from spring through to autumn as a ‘picking lettuce’. Excellent level of resistance to downy mildew and lettuce leaf aphid.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart. Harvest as and when required.
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Lettuce Moonred is a small and compact romaine-type lettuce with lovely burgundy-coloured outer leaves and a lighter green centre. Its glossy crisp leaves are perfect for salads and sandwiches. Ideally suited to growing in pots, containers and window boxes.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods.When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart. Harvest as and when required. High downy mildew resistance.
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Still the premier garden lettuce in most people's vegetable patch. Iceberg Lettuce Webbs Wonderful has large, wrinkled leaves with a big tight centre of crisp, white leaf. An outstanding Iceberg Lettuce whether the summer is wet or dry, Webbs Wonderful is always slow to run to seed.Sow seeds thinly from spring to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart. A moist well drained soil which has had plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing and to make sowings during the early afternoon.Thin out gradually to 3cm (12in) apart.Harvest when the head feels firm when gently pressed. The heads keep well in a fridge if they are wrapped in polythene film.
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Early-maturing onion varieties with attractive skin colours and elliptical shapes. Both varieties in the mix have good storage potential. This type of onion is a favourite with cooks and chefs as it slices uniformly, making perfect onion rings for a variety of different dishes.Sow seed indoors in individual pots or a seed tray at a depth of 6mm (¼in) using free-draining, seed-sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F) until after germination which usually takes 10-12 days. Once germinated, grow on at a temperature of 10-15°C (50-59°F) until all risk of frost has passed and plants are large enough to plant outdoors at a distance of 10cm (4in) apart. Cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water thoroughly after planting and as bulbs swell.Alternatively, sow thinly outdoors from mid-March to mid-April at a depth of 1cm (½in) and a distance of 30cm (12in) between rows.