Sowing seeds

Lots of customers are asking us when to start sowing vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots and runner beans. We have a huge variety of seeds in store, and all of our seed packets have instructions on when to sow, how to maintain the plants and when to harvest. Don’t be bamboozled by all the choice on offer though – we have staff on hand to help you make your selection.

Here’s Paul’s pick of favourites that he likes to grow:

Custard white squash
This unusual Summer harvesting squash is not only great to look at but is very productive and has many uses in the kitchen. Best picked when very young, it is delicious in salads and stirfrys. Sow in mid-April and plant out in mid-May. Harvest from July onwards.

Fennel
Fennel is one of those flavours that you either love or hate! It is not the easiest vegetable to grow since it does not like dry soil in the Summer, which will send it to seed without producing the edible bulb. It is a very decorative vegetable that is definitely worth the challenge! Sow directly into the ground in May and harvest in late Summer.

Nasturtium
This easy-to-grow climbing/trailing plant is perfect for a sunny position injecting bright Summer colour. The variegated leaves clash beautifully with the yellow and orange flowers. Hugely prolific, it flowers all through Summer and Autumn. The flowers are edible too! Sow from April outdoors. The seeds are perfect for children to plant since they are large enough for little hand to handle.

Bunny tail grass
This dainty grass is an annual, but it is perfect for window boxes so the movement of the ‘tails’ in a breeze can be fully appreciated! It is great for softening more structured planting and looks fabulous in beds and borders. The seeds are extremely fine and should be sown in April into the ground.