Quick Growing Vegetables

Swiss Chard 'Rainbow' Mix – Seeds (Beta vulgaris)

Swiss Chard 'Rainbow' Mix is a vibrant blend of brightly colored chard varieties, producing stems in shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. Not only is it highly decorative in the garden, but it’s also delicious and nutritious. The tender leaves can be used like spinach, while the crunchy stems add color and flavor to stir-fries, soups, and sautés. A cut-and-come-again crop, it will provide a long season of harvests from summer well into autumn.

How to Grow

• Sow outdoors: March – August, directly into prepared soil.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm apart.

• Keep soil consistently moist for tender, flavorful leaves.

Key Features

• Mix of colorful chard varieties

• Edible leaves and crunchy stems

• Long cropping season

• Cut-and-come-again harvests

• Both ornamental and edible

Ideal For

• Kitchen gardens and allotments

• Edible borders and decorative planting

• Healthy cooking and juicing

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – August

• Harvest: June – November

Quick Tip

Harvest young leaves regularly for salads and cooking. Mature stems can be steamed or sautéed for added color and flavor.

Lemon Balm – Seeds (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm is a hardy perennial herb valued for its refreshing lemon-scented leaves. Perfect for teas, desserts, and savory dishes, it also makes a soothing herbal remedy often used to promote relaxation. Its fragrant foliage attracts bees and pollinators, while its resilience makes it an easy-to-grow choice for gardens, pots, or borders.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – May in trays at 18–20°C.

• Sow outdoors: May – July in a sunny or lightly shaded spot.

• Thin or transplant seedlings to 30 cm apart.

• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

• Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Key Features

• Hardy perennial with refreshing lemon scent

• Aromatic leaves for teas, salads, and cooking

• Excellent for herbal remedies and relaxation

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Easy to grow in borders or containers

Ideal For

• Herbal teas and drinks

• Culinary use in sweet and savory dishes

• Herb gardens, borders, and patio pots

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – July

• Harvest: May – October

Quick Tip

Pick leaves early in the morning for the best flavor and fragrance.

Coriander Seeds (Coriandrum sativum)

Grow fresh, aromatic herbs with Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). This versatile herb produces feathery green leaves and aromatic seeds, perfect for salads, cooking, and spice blends. Fast-growing and easy to cultivate, it’s ideal for herb gardens, kitchen beds, and containers.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds directly outdoors from early spring to late summer.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

• Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep and thin seedlings to 15–20 cm apart.

• Keep soil consistently moist for best germination (7–14 days).

• Harvest leaves when young and tender; collect seeds when fully mature.

Key Features

• Feathery, aromatic green leaves and flavorful seeds

• Fast-growing and easy to cultivate

• Ideal for fresh salads, cooking, and spice blends

• Suitable for outdoor and container growing

• Hardy and versatile culinary herb

Ideal For

• Herb gardens, kitchen beds, and containers

• Fresh salads, cooking, and seasoning

• Homegrown spice production

• Companion planting to attract beneficial insects

Sowing

• Best time: Early spring to late summer outdoors

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: Thin to 15–20 cm apart

• Prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Sow in succession every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh leaves and seeds.

Butterhead Lettuce ‘All Year Round’ Seeds (Lactuca sativa)

Enjoy fresh, tender salad leaves throughout the season with Butterhead Lettuce ‘All Year Round’ (Lactuca sativa). This versatile variety produces soft, buttery-textured leaves with a mild flavor, perfect for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Easy to grow and quick to mature, it thrives in both outdoor and greenhouse conditions.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds directly outdoors from early spring to late summer or indoors for transplanting.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

• Sow seeds thinly, cover lightly with soil, and keep moist until germination (7–14 days).

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart for healthy growth.

• Harvest outer leaves regularly or cut the whole head when mature.

Key Features

• Tender, buttery-textured leaves with mild flavor

• Quick-growing and versatile variety

• Suitable for outdoor and greenhouse cultivation

• Ideal for continuous harvest throughout the season

• Easy to grow and maintain

Ideal For

• Fresh salads, sandwiches, and garnishes

• Kitchen gardens and raised beds

• Continuous harvest in outdoor or protected environments

• Pollinator-friendly garden spaces

Sowing

• Best time: Early spring to late summer outdoors or indoors for transplanting

• Germination: 7–14 days

• Sow thinly, cover lightly, keep soil moist

• Prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Sow in successive batches every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply of tender leaves.

Cucumber 'Marketmore' – Seeds (Cucumis sativus)

Cucumber 'Marketmore' is a classic, reliable outdoor cucumber variety producing dark green, smooth-skinned fruits with crisp texture and excellent flavor. Highly productive and resistant to common diseases, it is perfect for slicing, salads, and fresh eating. Vigorous and easy to grow, ‘Marketmore’ is a favorite among both beginners and experienced gardeners.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: April – May in pots or trays.

• Transplant outdoors: After last frost into a sunny, sheltered spot.

• Sow direct outdoors: May – June, once soil is warm.

• Spacing: 45–60 cm apart in rows or beds.

• Provide regular watering and mulch to keep soil moist.

Key Features

• Classic slicing cucumber variety

• Smooth, dark green, uniform fruits

• Crisp, refreshing flavor

• Heavy cropping and reliable yields

• Resistant to common cucumber diseases

Ideal For

• Outdoor vegetable plots and raised beds

• Fresh summer salads and sandwiches

• Gardeners seeking a tried-and-true cucumber variety

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: April – June

• Harvest: July – September

Quick Tip

Pick fruits regularly to encourage continuous production. Avoid letting cucumbers grow too large for the best taste and texture.

Chinese Cabbage ‘Pak Choi’ Seeds (Brassica oleracea)

Add fresh crunch to your kitchen garden with Chinese Cabbage ‘Pak Choi’ (Brassica oleracea). This fast-growing Asian green produces crisp white stems and tender, glossy green leaves with a mild, sweet flavor. Delicious in stir-fries, soups, and salads, Pak Choi is versatile, nutritious, and easy to grow in beds, borders, or containers.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from early spring or directly outdoors from spring to late summer.

• Use fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

• Sow seeds 1 cm deep and thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart.

• Keep soil consistently moist to prevent bolting.

• Harvest young leaves as cut-and-come-again or allow plants to mature for full heads.

Key Features

• Crisp white stems with tender, green leaves

• Mild, sweet flavor with high nutritional value

• Fast-growing and productive crop

• Excellent for stir-fries, soups, and fresh salads

• Thrives in gardens, raised beds, and containers

Ideal For

• Stir-fries, soups, and salads

• Cut-and-come-again harvesting or full heads

• Home gardens, allotments, and container growing

• Quick, healthy crops for continuous harvest

Sowing

• Best time: Spring to late summer

• Depth: 1 cm

• Spacing: 20–25 cm apart

• Prefers full sun or partial shade, fertile and moist soil

Quick Tip

• Sow in succession every few weeks for a steady supply of fresh, crunchy Pak Choi.

Radish 'Rainbow Mixed' Seeds (Raphanus sativus)

Brighten up your salads with Radish 'Rainbow Mixed', a colorful blend of quick-growing radishes in vibrant shades of red, pink, white, yellow, and purple. Crisp, crunchy, and full of flavor, this mix provides variety in both taste and appearance. Perfect for gardeners who want fast results and a cheerful harvest.

How to Grow

• Sow directly outdoors from early spring through late summer.

• Prefers light, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow seeds thinly, 1–1.5 cm deep in rows 15 cm apart.

• Thin seedlings to 3–5 cm spacing for best roots.

• Keep soil moist for tender, mild radishes.

Key Features

• Colorful blend of red, pink, white, yellow, and purple radishes

• Crisp, crunchy texture with mild to peppery flavor

• Fast-growing and ready in just a few weeks

• Adds variety and color to salads and garnishes

• Suitable for succession sowing for continuous crops

Ideal For

• Fresh salads, snacks, and garnishes

• Quick and easy crops for beginners

• Adding vibrant color to the vegetable patch

• Continuous harvests through spring and summer

Sowing

• Best time: March to September

• Depth: 1–1.5 cm

• Row spacing: 15 cm

• Plant spacing: Thin to 3–5 cm

• Harvest: 3–5 weeks after sowing

Quick Tip

• Sow little and often for a steady supply of fresh, colorful radishes.

Courgette 'Black Beauty' Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

A garden favorite for generations, Courgette 'Black Beauty' is a classic variety that produces glossy, dark green fruits with tender flesh and a mild, rich flavor. Prolific and reliable, this courgette will keep producing throughout summer if harvested regularly. Perfect for grilling, roasting, stir-fries, and even baking, it’s a versatile addition to both the garden and the kitchen.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors from April to May or directly outdoors after frost.

• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position.

• Sow 2–3 seeds 2 cm deep in pots or stations, thinning to the strongest plant.

• Space plants 60–80 cm apart to allow room for growth.

• Keep soil moist and harvest regularly to encourage continuous cropping.

Key Features

• Classic, reliable courgette variety

• Glossy dark green fruits with tender flesh

• Heavy cropper throughout summer

• Excellent flavor for cooking or eating fresh

• Easy to grow and very productive

Ideal For

• Home gardeners and allotments

• Fresh summer cooking and preserving

• Raised beds, kitchen gardens, and larger pots

• Garden-to-table recipes all season long

Sowing

• Best time: April to June

• Depth: 2 cm

• Spacing: 60–80 cm between plants

• Position: Sunny, fertile soil

• Harvest: July to September

Quick Tip

• Pick courgettes while young (10–15 cm long) for the best flavor and to keep plants producing abundantly.

Dill Seeds (Anethum graveolens)

Bring fresh flavor and fragrance to your garden with Dill, a versatile culinary and medicinal herb. Known for its delicate feathery foliage and aromatic seeds, dill is a must-have for seasoning fish, soups, pickles, and salads. Easy to grow and quick to mature, it also attracts beneficial pollinators, making it a perfect addition to herb beds and kitchen gardens.

How to Grow

• Sow directly outdoors from spring to early summer.

• Prefers light, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow thinly, 0.5–1 cm deep in rows 30 cm apart.

• Thin seedlings to 15 cm spacing.

• Avoid transplanting as dill dislikes root disturbance.

Key Features

• Aromatic herb with feathery foliage and seeds

• Delicious for seasoning fish, soups, salads, and pickles

• Quick-growing and easy for beginners

• Attracts bees and beneficial insects

• Dual use: fresh leaves and dried seeds

Ideal For

• Home cooking and herbal tea

• Pickling and preserving vegetables

• Companion planting in the garden

• Attracting pollinators and beneficial insects

Sowing

• Best time: March to June

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Row spacing: 30 cm

• Plant spacing: 15 cm after thinning

• Harvest: Leaves in 6–8 weeks, seeds later in the season

Quick Tip

• For a continuous supply, sow dill little and often every 2–3 weeks through the summer.