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A heritage variety originating from Australia in the early 1900’s. Prolific cropping on trailing plants if picked regularly at larger golf ball size. Crisp, tender flesh with a bitter free, sweet flavour. Best grown outdoors to trail on the ground or support on a trellis. Crops over a long season if picked regularly. Sow mid April to early June under glass to transplant outdoors. Mixed flowers, both types are required for pollination. Prefers well-drained, moist, rich soil in full sun. Extend the season with cloches.Sow mid April to early June, 2.5cm (1in) deep, in pots or trays of good seed sowing mix at 20C (68F) under glass or in a propagator. Protect emerging seedlings from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.Pot on individual seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots of sowing mix and keep barely moist to avoid stem rot. Maintain a temperature of about 20C (68F). Plant out 75x75cm (30x30in) apart once frost risk has passed. If space is limited, train up supports/netting
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"An all female 'American slicer', Cucumber Swing is ideal for both outdoor and greenhouse growing. Plants produce a heavy crop of slightly spined dark green cucumbers 20cm (8in) long with a crisp, juicy flesh.Cucumber Swing has excellent powdery mildew, weather and scab resistance."Sowing time: February to May.
Sow seeds 1cm (½in) deep, in 7cm (3in) pots of free-draining compost. Place in a propagator and keep at a temperature of around 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination, usually 5-7 days.When first true leaves develop, transplant into 13cm (5in) pots. Plant outdoors once all risk of frost has past, allowing 9cm (3ft) between plants. Can also be grown under glass similarly to other all female cucumbers.Keep plants well fed and watered throughout the growing season, to encourage the best quality fruits. -
Extremely productive and resistant to cucumber mosaic virus, tolerant to powdery mildew and fusarium wilt. The perfect size for smaller families or those who don’t want half a cucumber left in the fridge! Indoor variety.Sow seeds singly along edge in 9cm (2.5in) pots under glass at 21°C (70°F) from March-May.Later plant into large pots, about 25cm (10in) in size, or plant them out in the greenhouse border once frosts have passed in late May/June. Maintain night temperatures of 16–18°C (60–65°F). Best grown up netting supports.
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High numbers of small smooth skinned fruits which are tender, crisp, sweet and seedless. Keep picking regularly at 10 -12cm ( 4-5in) size, no need to peel, just wash and enjoy. All female flowering ( parthenocarpic) so sets fruit without pollination. Plants have good powdery and downy mildew resistance, and performs both under glass and outdoors in a sunny position.Sow seed 1cm (1/2in) deep, in 7.5cm (3.5in) pots of free-draining compost. Place in a propagator and keep at a temperature of around 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination, usually 5-7 days. When first true leaves develop, transplant into 13cm (5in) pots. Finally, plant into 25cm (10in) pots or into growbags. Grow on at a minimum of 15C (59F). Train along wire, allowing the main shoot to reach the tip. Pinch out growing point and allow two side shoots to trail downwards. Keep plants moist at all times and shade if necessary. Keep humidity high and pick fruits regularly.
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Plants are bred to be semi-trailing and are ideal for larger patio containers. Fruits can be harvested in about 8 weeks from transplanting. Pick regularly when fruits are 5cm ‘cornichons’ or when they are 10cm long for pickling or salad use.Sow seed 13mm (½in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of good seed compost. Place pots in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag and keep at 21-25?C (70-77?F) until after germination which usually takes 5-7 days. Alternatively, sow seed directly into the soil outside once it has warmed and there is no further risk of frost. Sow at a depth of 2cm (¾in) 75cm (2.5ft) apart and in rows 75cm (2.5ft) apart.Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions before planting out after last frosts. Leave 75cm (2.5ft) between plants in each direction. Do not remove the male flowers. Best grown outdoors, allow to trail on the ground or plant in larger patio containers. Ensure no ‘all female’ varieties are also being grown so as to avoid cross pollination. Feed with potash fertiliser once fruiting commences.
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An 'American slicer' outstanding in T&M outdoor trials in a poor growing season. Trailing plants produce a good crop of very dark green skinned 22-25cm (9-10in) juicy, but crisp, bitter free fruits with soft white spines with slow seed development.Sow seed 1cm (1/2in) deep, in 7cm (3.5in) pots of free-draining compost. Place in a propagator and keep at around 20-25C (68-77F until after germination, which usually takes 7-10 days.Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out after all risk of frost, 90cm (36in) apart. Pick fruits regularly when small to ensure continuous cropping. Feed and water regularly for increased yields.
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This is a reliable outdoor trailing cucumber variety, producing large yields of 20cm (8in) long, dark-skinned fruits from July when harvested regularly. Plants show some resistance to powdery and downy mildew. Do not remove the male flowers.Sow seed 1cm (½in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of free-draining compost. Place pots in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag and keep at 21-25?C (70-77?F) until after germination which usually takes 7-10 days.Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out 1m (3ft) apart after all risk of frost is gone. Do not remove the male flowers. Best grown outdoors to trail on the soil. Pick fruits regularly when small to ensure continuous cropping. Feed and water regularly for increased yields.
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British breeding for a weather proof basil uniquely showing much more tolerance to colder weather, winds, and light frosts. Dark green glossy leaves with a strong clove taste and aroma. Suitable for vegetable plot, patio containers or in pots on the windowsill.Sow seed on the surface of good, free-draining, seed compost. Cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which takes 14-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination. Keep compost on the dry side at all times, water lightly as seedlings emerge.Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12) apart.
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A basil that’s downy mildew resistant. This is a massive leap forward, producing Genovese type leaves with a compact, but highly productive plant habit. Leaves are large, cupped, and medium green. Strong downy mildew resistance allow this basil to be grown anywhere, from pots and windowsills to greenhouse borders and patios.SOWING INSTRUCTIONS: Sow in a propogator on a windowsill or thinly in pots or trays in a greenhouse at approx 10-15°C (50-59°F) using a good quality compost. Cover seeds with ½cm (¼in) compost. Germination can take 14-21 days.GROWING INSTRUCTIONS: Grow on, planting out when the frost risk has passed 20-25cm (8-12in) apart. Can also be sown thinly direct outside at a depth of ½cm (¼in). Grows best in well drained soil in a sunny position of in the greenhouse. Remove flowers to prolong leaf harvest.
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A beautiful upright herb with rough leaves covered with silvery hairs and most attractive celestial blue flowers beloved by bees. Borage is an annual growing to 45-90cm (18-36in) which self seeds happily. Cooking: Add Borage to summer drinks and wines because of its, cucumber flavour. Chopped leaves make a healthy soup or YOUNG leaves can be dipped in batter and lightly fried until crisp. Finely cut leaves make a delicious sandwich filling. Companion Plant: Grow it close to tomatoes to attract bees which fertilise the tomato blooms, and anything else in the vegetable garden. Nature's Remedy: Borage is a fine source of calcium and potassium and is recommended for toning up the glandular system, and all bronchial, lung and chest disorders. Prolonged use is not advisable. Special Note: Always check with your doctor before using herbs for medicinal purposes.Sow seeds in spring, in drills 6mm (¼in) deep, 30cm (12in).Thin out to 3cm (12in) apart when large enough to handle.Borage will grow in most soils but prefers well drained soil and full sun.