Sow in April

Fennel Bulb 'Florence' – Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel Bulb 'Florence' is a versatile and flavorful vegetable producing crisp, swollen white bulbs with tender, aromatic fronds. Known for its sweet, anise-like flavor, it’s perfect for roasting, grilling, salads, and soups. Easy to grow, this variety thrives in sunny, well-drained gardens and makes a striking addition to both kitchen and ornamental beds.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from February to April or directly outdoors from March to June.

• Plant 0.5–1 cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil.

• Thin seedlings to 30–40 cm apart to allow bulb development.

• Prefers full sun and consistent moisture.

• Harvest bulbs when swollen and firm, before they become woody.

Key Features

• Produces crisp, swollen white bulbs with aromatic fronds

• Sweet, anise-like flavor ideal for cooking

• Thrives in sunny, well-drained soil

• Suitable for salads, roasting, grilling, and soups

• Attractive addition to vegetable and kitchen gardens

Ideal For

• Culinary use in fresh salads, soups, and roasting

• Home gardens and raised beds

• Gardeners seeking versatile, flavorful vegetables

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to June

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: 30–40 cm

• Harvest: June to September

Quick Tip

• For best flavor, harvest bulbs before they get too large and the texture becomes tough.

Indian Corn ‘Flint’ – Seeds (Zea mays)

Indian Corn ‘Flint’ (Zea mays) is a decorative maize variety prized for its multicolored kernels, ranging from deep reds and purples to golds and blues. Ideal for autumn displays, harvest decorations, and ornamental garden planting, this hardy annual also produces tall, striking stalks that add vertical interest to your garden. Easy to grow in fertile, well-drained soil, it’s a perfect combination of beauty and traditional charm.

Why Grow "Flint"

• Multicolored kernels for decorative harvest displays

• Tall, striking stalks for vertical interest in the garden

• Hardy and easy-to-grow annual

• Perfect for ornamental planting and autumn decoration

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Zea mays)

• Height: 150–200 cm

• Flowering/Fruiting: Summer to early autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Ornamental garden planting, autumn décor, harvest displays

Ideal For

• Autumn garden color and harvest decorations

• Tall vertical interest in borders or vegetable plots

• Educational planting and children’s gardens

• Ornamental and pollinator-friendly garden displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in fertile soil

• Germination: 7–14 days at 20–25°C

• Space plants: 25–30 cm apart in rows 60–75 cm apart

• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

• Water regularly until established

Cucurbita pepo ‘Early Summer Crookneck’ – Classic Early Summer Squash with Tender Yellow Fruits

‘Early Summer Crookneck’ is a traditional summer squash variety valued for its bright yellow fruits with a distinctive curved neck and smooth to lightly textured skin. Harvested young, the squash has tender, mild-flavoured flesh, ideal for sautéing, grilling, roasting and stuffing. This variety is early to mature, highly productive, and dependable in warm conditions, making it a staple for home gardens and allotments.

Key Features

● Early-maturing summer squash variety

● Bright yellow fruits with characteristic curved neck

● Best harvested young for tender texture

● High-yielding and reliable producer

● Excellent for a wide range of culinary uses

How to Sow & Grow Squash ‘Early Summer Crookneck’ (UK)

Sow indoors: IV (April)

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) after last frost

Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once soil is warm

Harvest: VI–IX (June–September)

Life cycle: Annual

Germination temperature: 18–24 °C (64–75 °F)

Average germ time: 7–10 days

Depth: 2–3 cm (1 in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Regular watering, especially during fruiting

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Plant spacing: 80–100 cm (2.5–3 ft)

Growth habit: Bush type

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Harvest fruits at 10–15 cm (4–6 in) for best flavour.

● Pick regularly to encourage continuous production.

● Avoid letting fruits grow oversized, which reduces quality.

● Feed and water consistently during peak growth.

● Bush habit makes plants easy to manage in smaller spaces.

Special Features

● Classic heirloom summer squash

● Fast-growing with extended harvest period

● Ideal for fresh summer cooking

🎃 Cucurbita maxima Winter Squash ‘Burgess Buttercup’ – Sweet, Dense, Nutty Flesh with Excellent Winter Storage

‘Burgess Buttercup’ is a classic heirloom winter squash producing dark green, turban-shaped fruits with a distinctive grey “button” on top. The rich orange flesh is exceptionally sweet, dense, smooth and nutty, making it one of the best varieties for roasting, soups, mashing, and baking. Each fruit typically weighs 1.5–2.5 kg (3–5 lb) and stores extremely well through winter. Vigorous vines produce reliable yields and thrive in warm, sunny positions.

Key Features

● Exceptionally sweet, dense, nutty orange flesh

● Excellent winter storage variety

● Vigorous vines with high productivity

● Ideal for roasting, soups, baking, and purées

How to Sow & Grow Winter Squash ‘Burgess Buttercup’ (Cucurbita maxima) – UK

Sow indoors: IV–V (April–May) in pots

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once frost danger has passed

Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) in warm, prepared soil

Harvest: IX–X (September–October)

Germination temperature: 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil

Plant spacing: 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft)

Vine length: 2–3 m (6.5–10 ft)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Start indoors for earlier fruit set, especially in cooler regions.

● Mulch generously to retain moisture and support large fruits.

● Feed regularly once vines begin running.

● Harvest when rind hardens and the stem becomes corky.

● Cure fruits for 10–14 days in a warm, airy place to improve storage.

Special Features

● Outstanding winter keeper with rich gourmet flavour

● Dense, dry flesh perfect for roasting and baking

Onion Tosca – 80 Seeds (Allium cepa)

Description:
Grow flavorful, versatile onions with Onion Tosca (Allium cepa). This high-quality variety produces medium-sized, firm bulbs with a mild, slightly sweet taste. Ideal for salads, cooking, and pickling, Tosca onions are easy to grow from seed and suitable for kitchen gardens, raised beds, and allotments. Resistant to common diseases, they offer reliable harvests throughout the season.

Key Features

• Medium-sized, firm bulbs with mild, sweet flavor

• Suitable for salads, cooking, and pickling

• Disease-resistant and reliable variety

• Easy to grow from seed

• Ideal for home and small-scale gardens

Ideal For

• Kitchen gardens and raised beds

• Culinary use: raw, cooked, or pickled

• Allotments and small vegetable plots

• Home gardeners seeking reliable onions

Sowing & Growing

• Sow Indoors: February–March

• Transplant Outdoors: April–May, after frost

• Germination: 10–14 days at 15–20°C

• Spacing: 10–15 cm apart in rows 25–30 cm apart

• Height: 30–40 cm

• Light: Full sun

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

Care Tips

• Water regularly but avoid waterlogging

• Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding

• Fertilize lightly during growth

• Harvest when bulbs are firm and tops begin to yellow

🎃 Cucurbita maxima ‘Pacific Giant’ – Exhibition Giant Pumpkin for Extreme Size

‘Pacific Giant’ is a classic giant pumpkin variety bred specifically for producing exceptionally large fruits, making it a popular choice for exhibitions, competitions and growers aiming for maximum size. With vigorous growth and long trailing vines, this variety is capable of producing massive pumpkins when given rich soil, ample space and consistent feeding.

The fruits are typically large, round to slightly flattened, with a smooth orange rind. While mainly grown for size rather than flavour, ‘Pacific Giant’ is an impressive centrepiece in the garden and a favourite among competitive growers.

Key Features

● Giant pumpkin variety bred for extreme size

● Ideal for shows, competitions and exhibitions

● Very vigorous growth with long trailing vines

● Large, round to flattened fruits

● Requires space, feeding and regular watering

How to Sow & Grow Pumpkin ‘Pacific Giant’ (UK)

Sow indoors: IV (April)

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) after last frost

Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once soil is warm

Harvest: IX–X (September–October)

Life cycle: Annual

Germination temperature: 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)

Average germ time: 7–10 days

Depth: 2–3 cm (1 in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Heavy, regular watering

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Very fertile, deep soil rich in organic matter

Plant spacing: 120–150 cm (4–5 ft)

Growth habit: Long trailing vines

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Prepare soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.

● Allow only 1–2 fruits per plant to maximise size.

● Feed regularly with a high-potassium fertiliser during fruit development.

● Turn fruits gently during growth to improve shape.

● Lift fruits onto straw or boards to prevent rot.

🍉 Citrullus lanatus Watermelon ‘Charleston Gray’ – Large, Sweet, Classic American Heirloom with Firm, Red Flesh

‘Charleston Gray’ is a famous heirloom watermelon known for its elongated, light-green rind, deep red juicy flesh, and exceptional sweetness. Highly productive and vigorous, this variety produces large fruits, typically weighing 10–14 kg (22–30 lb). The rind is thick and crack-resistant, making it excellent for transport and long storage. Perfect for fresh eating, fruit salads, juices, and summer desserts. A dependable performer in warm, sunny gardens.

Key Features

● Large, elongated melons with light green rind

● Sweet, crisp, deep red flesh

● Fruits reach 10–14 kg (22–30 lb)

● Crack-resistant rind with good keeping quality

● Vigorous, high-yielding heirloom variety

How to Sow & Grow Watermelon ‘Charleston Gray’ (UK)

Sow indoors: IV–V (April–May) in pots

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once nights stay above 12 °C (54 °F) and frost danger has passed

Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) in warm climates or under cloches

Harvest: VIII–IX (August–September)

Germination temperature: 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 1–2 cm (½–¾ in)

Light required: Yes

Environment: Full sun

Moisture: Keep evenly moist, avoid waterlogging

Environment: Full sun, warm sheltered site or greenhouse/polytunnel

Soil type: Rich, fertile, well-drained soil; add compost before planting

Plant spacing: 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)

Vine length: 2–3 m (6.5–10 ft)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Start indoors for best results in the UK climate.

● Train vines or provide ample ground space.

● Water consistently until fruits set, then reduce watering for sweeter melons.

● Harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit dries and the rind dulls.

● Warm microclimates or tunnels significantly improve yields.

Special Features

● Excellent storage and transport quality due to thick rind

● Classic American heirloom with outstanding sweetness

● Large, impressive fruits ideal for summer gatherings

Brussel Sprout 'Casiopea' – Seeds (Brassica oleracea)

The Brussel Sprout 'Casiopea' is a high-yielding variety producing uniform, medium-sized sprouts with firm, dense heads and excellent flavor. Known for its reliable growth and resistance to bolting, it thrives in cooler weather, making it ideal for autumn and winter harvests. Perfect for roasting, steaming, or sautéing, this variety is a favorite for home gardens and allotments.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from February to March or directly outdoors from March to April.

• Plant 1–2 cm deep in trays or modules and transplant when seedlings are strong.

• Space plants 50–60 cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun.

• Support plants if needed, and maintain regular watering.

• Harvest sprouts from the base upwards as they mature.

Key Features

• High-yielding, uniform sprouts

• Firm, dense heads with excellent flavor

• Resistant to bolting and suited for cooler weather

• Ideal for autumn and winter harvests

• Versatile for roasting, steaming, and sautéing

Ideal For

• Autumn and winter vegetable gardens

• Roasting, steaming, or sautéing

• Home gardeners seeking reliable, flavorful sprouts

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to April

• Spacing: 50–60 cm between plants

• Harvest: September to December

Quick Tip

• For sweeter sprouts, leave them on the plant until after a light frost—it enhances flavor and texture.

Alpine Strawberry ‘White Soul’ – 200 Seeds (Fragaria vesca)

Alpine Strawberry ‘White Soul’ (Fragaria vesca) is a charming, compact perennial producing small, sweet white fruits. Ideal for borders, containers, and edible gardens, its fragrant flowers and unique white berries bring both beauty and flavor. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, it attracts pollinators while adding a decorative, gourmet touch to any garden.

Why Grow "White Soul"

• Sweet, aromatic white strawberries

• Compact, perennial growth habit

• Fragrant flowers with decorative appeal

• Attracts bees and other pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Perennial (Fragaria vesca)

• Height: 15–20 cm

• Flowering/Fruiting: Spring–Summer

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Uses: Edible gardens, containers, borders, patios

Ideal For

• Edible garden planting and gourmet use

• Container and patio displays

• Pollinator-friendly garden spaces

• Borders and small garden beds

Sowing & Growing

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

• Sow outdoors: April–May after frost

• Germination: 2–3 weeks at 18–20°C

• Thin seedlings to 15–20 cm apart

• Prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun

• Mulch lightly to protect roots and retain moisture