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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.
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Excellent coloured and shaped, purple topped roots with fine grained, good flavoured, yellow flesh, free from bitterness. Swede Magres is an excellent culinary Swede, fully winter hardy, with mildew resistant foliage.Sowing Time: April to June. Sow seeds thinly, 1cm (1/2in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in well-drained, fertile soil, which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially in dry periods.Thin out seedlings at an early stage, to 1-15cm (4-6in) apart.Hoe regularly, taking care not to damage the roots and keep well watered. They are hardy and can be pulled as required from autumn to Christmas. After this lift and store in a pit like carrots or in boxes of damp sand. The young leaves also make tasty and nutritious spring greens.
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Tall, striking, thistle-like plants with serrated leaves and large spiny flower heads. A valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies, as well as attracting many seed-eating birds to your garden or wild flower meadow. Makes attractive, dried, cut flowers.Sow February to June onto the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place sown container in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 15-20C (59-68F) until after germination which usually takes 1-3 months. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise young plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 3-45cm (12-18in) apart.
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Leek Musselburgh Improved is a very hardy and exceptionally fine strain of this popular mid season variety.Leeks prefer ordinary well drained soil in sun or semi-shade and can follow early peas or potatoes. Sow seeds in early spring outdoors in a well prepared seed bed. Sow seeds thinly 1cm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart.In early summer lift the seedlings carefully and plant 15x38cm (6x15in) apart, making 15cm (6in) deep holes and inserting the seedlings as far as the first leaf. Then fill the hole with water NOT SOIL. Earth up the stems as growth develops and harvest
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Popular and nutritious Kalettes® combine the best characteristics of kale and Brussels sprouts. Producing attractive rosettes of loose, frilly-edged buttons, this winter hardy favourite of savvy foodies and chefs has a sweet and nutty taste. Try it steamed, in stir fries or chopped raw in salads for a healthy hit of vitamins and other nutrients.Place seed in 7.5cm (3in) pots or a seed tray of a good free-draining seed compost and cover with a 6mm (¼in) layer of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag at a temperature of around 15°C (59°F) until after germination, which takes up to 7 days.Transplant when large enough to handle about 5 weeks from sowing, to 60cm (24in). Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Fleece against caterpillar and aphid as necessary, and net against pigeons during the winter.
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New breeding has led to these 2-3kgs bulbs which remain tender, non-woody and full of flavour raw or cooked. Tasty ‘eat all’ vegetable. Resists bolting.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.SERVING SUGGESTION: Slice mature roots for batons or fry lightly in batter or breadcrumbs for fritters. High in vitamin C and antioxidant content.
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An excellent pale green leaved variety for gardeners and cooks who want long, slender, bulb free stems for summer and early autumn dishes. Tall plants which will benefit from additional ‘earthing up’, can be ready for harvesting mid-July to October before Leek rust strikes. Not a winter hardy variety.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 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 blanched stem.Delicious baked in a rich cheese sauce. Has the benefit of a green vegetable and a mild onion. High in folic acid, potassium, pro-vitamin A and vitamin C. Contains beneficial sulphur compounds as well as a potent antioxidant called quercetin.
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If you’re looking for a strong growing autumn variety of leek with long white stems that resist becoming ‘bulby’ then Leek ‘Mercurian F1’ is ideal for you. An upright, non-drooping leaf habit allows for good air circulation which minimises the risk of mould or infection.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, maintaining 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 May to 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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Fits most popular watering cans. A general purpose rose for many jobs around the garden. The curved brass face gives an even and uniform spray of water droplets.Particularly suitable for general purpose spraying, including bedding plants, patio tubs, troughs, window boxes, salad crops, newly-planted shrubs, perennials, newly seeded or turfed lawns.
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"Cooking: Mild and sweet it is delicious in stuffings, soups, stews, omelettes, cheese dishes, fish sauces and salads. Sprinkle over pork, mutton, liver and veal before roasting and add to melted butter to garnish vegetables.Companion Plant: Sow with Broccoli to repel the cabbage butterfly.Nature's Remedy: Depresssion and hyprochandria are frequent problems today. Herbalists have always recommended Marjoram for this, to lower high blood pressure and combat headaches, and neuralgia. Much used as a tonic particularly after influenza and as a gentle mild laxative. Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoonful of fresh leaves, cover and leave for several minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired"Sow from late winter to early summer 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in John Innes Seed Compost. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet, seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days at 16-18C (60-65F).Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots. Later plant out 3cm (12in) apart in ordinary soil in full sun
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"A well known, very useful salad plant, rocket can be used raw in salads or cooked lightly when it makes a delicious spinach substitute. Late summersowings of rocket will carry on cropping into the winter if the plants are protected by cloches."Sow March to September, thinly in a well prepared seedbed in full sun or partial shade, 13mm deep in drills 30cm apart. Can also be sown under glass all the year round for fresh leaves continually.Thin out seedlings to 15cm 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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Produces a mound of loose, oak leaf shaped leaves for regular picking for several weeks. Does not produce a solid heart. Good resistance to bolting (running to seed).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 30cm (12in) apart. Harvest as and when required.Lettuce is a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin A.