Salad Garden Essentials

Cucumber 'King of Salad' Seeds (Cucumis sativus)

Grow crisp, refreshing cucumbers with Cucumber 'King of Salad', a prolific variety known for its smooth, dark green fruits and excellent taste. Perfect for slicing into fresh salads, sandwiches, or enjoying straight from the vine, this variety delivers consistently high yields throughout the summer. Easy to grow outdoors or under cover, it’s a gardener’s favorite for its reliability and delicious results.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors from March to May or directly outdoors after frost has passed.

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

• Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep in pots or directly in the ground.

• Space plants 60 cm apart, with rows 90 cm apart.

• Keep soil evenly moist and feed regularly for the best yields.

Key Features

• High-yielding variety with smooth, dark green cucumbers

• Crisp, refreshing texture and mild flavor

• Great for salads, sandwiches, and fresh eating

• Suitable for outdoor or greenhouse growing

• Long harvest period through summer

Ideal For

• Fresh summer salads and light meals

• Home gardeners seeking reliable crops

• Outdoor beds, raised beds, or greenhouse growing

• Consistent harvests for the kitchen table

Sowing

• Best time: March to May indoors, May to June outdoors

• Depth: 1–2 cm

• Spacing: 60 cm between plants, 90 cm between rows

• Position: Sunny, sheltered, fertile soil

• Harvest: July to September

Quick Tip

• Harvest cucumbers regularly to encourage continuous production and enjoy fruits at their crispest.

Cucumber ‘Everest’ – Seeds

(Cucumis sativus) – Reliable F1 Hybrid

The ‘Everest’ cucumber is a highly productive, disease-resistant hybrid that produces slender, dark green cucumbers with a smooth skin and excellent flavor. Ideal for both greenhouse and outdoor cultivation, this variety is well-regarded for its vigorous growth, heavy yields, and resistance to common cucumber diseases such as powdery mildew. Fruits are crisp, refreshing, and perfect for salads, sandwiches, or fresh eating straight from the vine.

Key Features

• Plant type: Annual, climbing/vining

• Fruit: Slender, smooth-skinned cucumbers

• Length: 18–22 cm

• Color: Dark green

• Flavor: Crisp, refreshing

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Greenhouse or outdoor growing

• Fresh salads and raw eating

• Consistent, high-yield production

• Gardeners seeking disease-resistant cucumbers

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April, 1 cm deep in pots.

• Germination: 7–14 days at 20–25°C.

• Transplant: May, after last frost.

• Spacing: 60 cm apart in rows, 150 cm between rows.

• Harvest: July–September.

Care Tips

• Provide support (trellis or netting) for climbing vines.

• Water consistently; keep soil moist but not soggy.

• Feed with a high-potash fertilizer regularly once flowering starts.

• Pick fruits frequently to encourage further cropping.

Cucumber 'Crystal Apple' – Seeds (Cucumis sativus)

Cucumber 'Crystal Apple' is a charming and productive heirloom variety that produces small, round fruits resembling pale green to creamy white apples. The fruits have a crisp, juicy texture and a mild, refreshing flavor – excellent for fresh eating, salads, or pickling.

This variety is highly prolific, easy to grow, and particularly well-suited to cooler climates. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for home gardens, allotments, and greenhouse cultivation.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: April – May

• Sow outdoors: May – June (after last frost)

• Depth: 1–2 cm

• Spacing: 30–45 cm apart

• Support: Can be grown along the ground or trained up trellises

• Position: Full sun, sheltered spot

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, rich in organic matter

Key Features

• Unusual apple-shaped cucumbers with crisp, mild taste

• Heirloom variety with excellent productivity

• Great eaten fresh, in salads, or for pickling

• Suitable for outdoor or greenhouse growing

• Thrives in cooler climates

Harvest

• Harvesting period: July – September

• Pick fruits when young and tender for best flavor.

Cucumber 'Telegraph Improved' – Seeds (Cucumis sativus)

Enjoy crisp, tender cucumbers with Cucumber 'Telegraph Improved', a classic English variety renowned for its long, slender, dark green fruits and mild, sweet flavor. Ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, and pickling, this variety is highly productive and resistant to common cucumber diseases. Perfect for home gardens, allotments, or greenhouse cultivation.

How to Grow

. Sow indoors: March – May, 1–2 cm deep in pots
. Transplant outdoors: After last frost or grow under cloche/greenhouse for best results
. Sow outdoors: May – June in fertile, well-drained soil
. Provide support such as a trellis or frame for climbing
. Keep soil moist and feed regularly for abundant harvests

Key Features

. Classic English cucumber with long, dark green fruits
. Mild, sweet flavor suitable for salads and fresh eating
. Highly productive and disease-resistant
. Ideal for greenhouse or outdoor trellis growing
. Reliable, uniform fruits perfect for slicing

Ideal For

. Fresh salads, sandwiches, and summer meals
. Home gardeners and allotment plots
. Greenhouse cultivation for early and high-yield crops
. Pickling and culinary versatility

Sowing & Harvest

. Sow: March – June
. Harvest: June – September

Quick Tip

Harvest regularly when fruits are firm and uniform in size to encourage continuous production throughout the season.

Cucumber 'Piccolo Di Parigi' – Seeds (Cucumis sativus)

Cucumber 'Piccolo Di Parigi' is a compact, early-maturing variety producing small, tender, and crisp fruits with a sweet, refreshing flavor. Its uniform, cylindrical fruits are perfect for fresh eating, salads, or pickling.

This variety is ideal for greenhouse, polytunnel, or well-protected outdoor cultivation. Its vigorous growth and high yield make it a reliable choice for home gardeners and small-scale growers.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – April

• Sow outdoors: May – June, after last frost

• Depth: 1–2 cm

• Spacing: 30–40 cm between plants, rows 60–80 cm apart

• Support: Can be grown on the ground or trained on low trellises

• Position: Full sun, warm and sheltered

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, rich in organic matter

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist

Key Features

• Compact, early-maturing variety

• Small, crisp fruits with sweet flavor

• Excellent for fresh eating, salads, and pickling

• High-yielding and vigorous growth

• Suitable for greenhouse or protected outdoor cultivation

Harvest

• Harvesting period: July – September

• Pick fruits when 10–15 cm long for best texture and taste.

Short Tip

Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruit production and maintains quality.

Cucamelon 'Mouse Melon' – Seeds (Melothria scabra)

The quirky and delicious Cucamelon, also known as the Mouse Melon or Mexican Sour Gherkin, produces miniature watermelon-lookalike fruits with a refreshing cucumber-like taste and a hint of citrus. These grape-sized fruits are perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or pickling. Easy to grow and highly productive, they are a fun and unique addition to any kitchen garden.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors from April to May in pots at 20–24°C.

• Sow 1 cm deep in moist compost.

• Transplant seedlings into larger pots or outdoors after the last frost.

• Train plants to climb trellises or supports for the best yield.

• Harvest fruits when grape-sized and firm.

Key Features

• Produces tiny fruits resembling watermelons

• Refreshing cucumber flavor with a citrus twist

• High-yielding and easy to grow

• Decorative and fun addition to gardens

• Perfect for snacking, salads, and pickling

Ideal For

• Healthy snacking straight from the vine

• Adding crunch and flavor to salads

• Homemade pickles and preserves

• Gardeners looking for unusual and exciting crops

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: April to May (indoors)

• Plant out: Late May to June

• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart

• Harvest: July to October

Quick Tip

• Grow Cucamelons on a trellis or in hanging baskets to make harvesting easier and keep fruits clean.

Cress – Seeds (Lepidium sativum)

Garden Cress is one of the fastest and easiest crops to grow, producing a fresh, peppery flavour that livens up salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Perfect for windowsills, kitchen counters, or garden beds, it grows all year round and is ready to harvest in just a few days.

A must-have for quick, nutritious greens packed with vitamins and minerals.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors/outdoors: Year-round

• Sowing depth: Scatter thinly on moist soil or cotton wool

• Spacing: No thinning required

• Position: Sunny windowsill or light shade outdoors

• Care: Keep soil moist for continuous germination

Key Features

• Ready to harvest in as little as 7 days

• Spicy, peppery flavour – great for salads & sandwiches

• Can be grown indoors all year round

• Extremely easy and reliable – ideal for children & beginners

• Packed with nutrients and antioxidants

Harvest

• Harvesting period: 7–21 days after sowing

• Snip with scissors when leaves are about 5 cm tall.

Short Tip

For a continuous supply, sow small batches every few days.

Courgette 'Tapir' – Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

The Courgette 'Tapir' is a reliable, high-yielding variety that produces glossy, dark green fruits with excellent flavor and texture. Its uniform shape and smooth skin make it an ideal choice for home gardens and allotments. A vigorous and productive plant, it ensures a steady supply of fresh courgettes throughout the summer.

Best harvested young for tender flesh and mild taste, 'Tapir' courgettes are versatile in the kitchen – perfect for grilling, stir-fries, baking, or slicing into salads.

How to Grow

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

• Sow outdoors: Late May – June after frost has passed

• Spacing: 60–90 cm apart

• Soil: Rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil

• Position: Full sun

• Care: Water regularly and pick fruits frequently to encourage further cropping

Key Features

• Glossy, dark green courgettes with tender texture

• High-yielding and uniform fruiting variety

• Versatile in the kitchen – use fresh, cooked, or baked

• Vigorous and reliable cropper throughout summer

• Easy to grow in beds, borders, or large containers

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: April – June

• Harvest: July – September

Courgette 'Stiato d'Italia' – Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

Add authentic Italian flavor to your garden with Courgette 'Stiato d'Italia', an heirloom variety renowned for its striped green fruits and tender, sweet flesh. Perfect for summer harvests, these elegant courgettes are ideal for grilling, roasting, stuffing, or fresh salads. Prolific and easy to grow, 'Stiato d'Italia' combines visual appeal with gourmet taste.

How to Grow

. Sow indoors: March – May, 1–2 cm deep in pots
. Transplant outdoors: After last frost, spacing 70–90 cm apart
. Sow outdoors: May – June in fertile, well-drained soil
. Prefers full sun and regular watering
. Harvest fruits 15–20 cm long for the best flavor and texture

Key Features

. Italian heirloom zucchini with striking striped green skin
. Tender, mild-flavored flesh for versatile cooking
. Prolific and early-bearing variety
. Perfect for grilling, roasting, stuffing, or salads
. Decorative, uniform fruits ideal for home gardens

Ideal For

. Fresh summer cooking and Italian dishes
. Gardeners seeking unique and attractive courgettes
. Small vegetable beds, allotments, or containers
. Gourmet recipes including stuffed or roasted zucchini

Sowing & Harvest

. Sow: March – June
. Harvest: June – September

Quick Tip

Harvest regularly when fruits are young and slender to encourage continuous production throughout the season.