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An alternative to the usual Rocket, with deep green, serrated foliage that makes an attractive garnish. Wild Rocket has a stronger flavour than standard Rocket, and the young leaves can be picked in succession and are perfect for salads. Easy to grow. Height 15-20cm (6-8in), prostrate habit.Sow seeds from April to July. Sow seeds thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil that has been raked to a fine tilth. When large enough to handle, thin seedlings to 23-30cm (9-12in) apart.Harvest young leaves as required, picking only a few from each plant. Sowings made in late summer will carry on cropping into winter if given protection by cloches.Prefers moist, well drained soil in full sun.
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An old favourite for stews stuffings etc., mixed herbs and bouquet garni. Old English Thyme stimulates the appetite and helps the digestion of fatty foods. Helps repel cabbage root fly. Companion Plant: Grow Old English Thyme close to cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts as it is a great deterrent of cabbage root-fly or cabbage worm.Sow seeds from late winter to early summer 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in John Innes Seed Compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 18-24 days at 13-16C (56-60F).Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots. Later plant out 23- 3cm (9-12in) apart into well drained soil in full sun.
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An eastern European variety with highly decorative red veined leaves intensifying in colour as winter approaches. Mature plants show excellent winter hardiness. Kale supplies fresh greens at a time when the vegetable plot can look rather bare.Sow seed thinly in a well prepared seedbed, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart.Transplant when large enough to handle, about 5 weeks from sowing to 50cm (20in) between plants each way. 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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"Attractive, purple-skinned roots with pure white, succulent flesh, best eaten when golf ball size, although the flesh still remains succulent and bitter free when roots are larger. Easy to grow, quick to mature in under 8 weeks from sowing. Plants have a neat, compact growth making them ideal for early sowings under cloches or fleece. Prefers well-drained, moist, rich soil in full sun. A rich source of the provitamin A, vitamins C and K and folate as well as the antioxidant carotenoids b-carotene and lutein."Sow March to July, at 4 week intervals. Sow thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart.Thin seedlings to 7cm (3in) apart for small bulbs, or 1-15cm (4-6in) for larger bulbs. Keep moist at all times for the most succulent roots and to minimise woodiness, bitter flesh and bolting.
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Extend your lettuce harvesting season with this outstanding ‘iceberg type’ variety. Resistance to tipburn, bolting and downy mildew means that Antartica stands well in good condition. The dense hearts, with plenty of crunchy flavour, are ideal for summer salads.Sow thinly at regular intervals, 12mm deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart.Thin seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart when large enough to handle. Water well during dry periods.Water lettuce frequently and hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing. Dry weather may cause heads of lettuce plants to bolt so watering is particularly critical during the 2 weeks before harvesting. A thick mulch applied around the plants will help to retain moisture in the soil. Harvest lettuce when required by pulling up the entire plant before trimming off the stem with a knife.
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A separately packaged collection, Salad Leaves Mixed provides different types, colours and textures and a longer harvest from one sowing. Salad Leaves Mixed is ideal for small gardens, providing a great selection in a small space."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.Sow seeds in early autumn for overwintering."Thin out gradually to 3cm (12in) apart.Harvest when the head feels firm when gently pressed.
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One of the earliest varieties to mature. Lettuce Little Gem produces small compact plants which are packed with a crisp sweet heart and little outside leaf. Lettuce Little Gem is very useful for cloches too."Sow seeds thinly from spring to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart. A moist well drained fertile soil which has had plenty of compost dug in the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing and sow during the early afternoon.An early spring sowing under cloches will provide a really early crop."Thin out gradually to 23cm (9in) apart.
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An excellently flavoured Italian lettuce of the type used in salads and also in many other dishes as a tasty garnish. Lettuce Continental Looseleaf Lollo Rossa is compact, non hearting with a rosette of finely frilled leaves with deep red edge. Lollo Rossa is very easy to grow and attractive in gardens, tubs, containers etc and in the salad.Sow seeds thinly from spring to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart. A moist, well drained, fertile soil which has had plenty of compost dug in the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing and sow during the early afternoon.Thin out gradually to 23cm (9in) apart.To harvest don't pull the whole plant - be selective - go down the row choosing only the largest, tenderest leaves. This way it will continue to replace itself the whole season.
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The smallest lettuce. A compact, solid butterhead type with deliciously soft leaves just right for small families or restricted space. Lettuce Butterhead Tom Thumb can be grown as close as 15cm (6in.) apart and makes a useful early crop in a cold frame or cloches. Very fast growing, from an early spring Butterhead Tom Thumb will be the first variety to harvest.Sow seeds thinly from March to late April 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 15cm (6in) apart. A moist, well drained, fertile soil which has had plenty of compost dug in the previous autumn is best.As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out gradually to 15cm (6in.) apart.To test whether the heads are ready to harvest, press them gently with the back of the hand, they will feel solid and barely yield to pressure.