Sow in June

🌶️ Capsicum annuum Chilli Pepper ‘Jalapeño’ – Classic Mild–Hot Mexican Pepper with High Yields

‘Jalapeño’ is one of the world’s most recognisable chilli peppers, producing thick-walled, glossy green fruits that ripen to deep red. With a mild–medium heat level (2,500–8,000 SHU), it is ideal for salsas, grilling, stuffing, pickling, and everyday cooking. Strong, compact plants are highly productive, offering a long harvest window both in green and fully ripened red stages. Performs exceptionally well in pots, greenhouses, and sunny patios.

Key Features

● Classic Mexican chilli – mild to medium heat

● Thick-walled fruits perfect for stuffing, pickling and grilling

● Harvest green or red for different flavours

● High-yielding, compact plants suitable for containers

● Long cropping season from mid-summer to autumn

How to Sow & Grow Chilli Pepper ‘Jalapeño’ (UK)

Sow indoors: II–IV (February–April) in trays or pots

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once nights stay above 10 °C (50 °F)

Direct outdoors: Not recommended (needs warmth)

Harvest: VII–X (July–October)

Germination temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

Average germ time: 10–20 days

Depth: 0.5 cm (¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained compost; pH 6.0–7.0

Plant spacing: 40 × 40 cm (16 × 16 in)

Height: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Provide bottom heat for faster germination.

● Pot on seedlings gradually to avoid stress.

● Feed weekly with tomato fertiliser once fruiting starts.

● Support branches when heavily loaded with fruit.

● Harvest regularly to encourage continuous cropping.

Special Features

● Traditional, authentic chilli for Mexican cuisine

● Reliable and productive even in UK summers

● Versatile — harvest green for fresh use or red for heat and sweetnes

🎃 Cucurbita pepo Winter Squash ‘Hungarian Blue’ – Rare Steel-Blue Squash with Sweet, Fine-Textured Flesh

‘Hungarian Blue’ is an unusual and visually striking winter squash producing beautifully ribbed fruits in shades of steel-blue to slate-grey. Inside, the deep orange flesh is sweet, dense, and fine-textured, ideal for roasting, soups, baking, and autumn–winter dishes. Fruits typically weigh 2–4 kg, store extremely well, and develop even better flavour after curing. Vigorous, productive plants thrive in sunny conditions and are well suited to kitchen gardens and allotments.

Key Features

● Rare steel-blue ribbed winter squash

● Sweet, dense, fine-grained orange flesh

● Fruits store well into winter

● Productive and vigorous vines

● Excellent for roasting, soups, baking and purées

How to Sow & Grow Winter Squash ‘Hungarian Blue’ (Cucurbita pepo) – 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) into warm soil

Harvest: IX–X (September–October)

Germination temperature: 18–24 °C (64–75 °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; add compost before planting

Plant spacing: 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)

Vine length: 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Start indoors for earlier harvests in cooler climates.

● Mulch well to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

● Feed regularly with high-potash fertiliser during fruiting.

● Allow fruits to fully mature on the vine for best flavour.

● Cure harvested fruits in a warm, airy place for 10–14 days.

Special Features

● Rare heirloom colour — striking steel-blue rind

● Stores exceptionally well, improving in sweetness

● Compact vines compared to many winter squash types

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.

🎃 Cucurbita pepo ‘Patty Pan Mix’ – Colourful Scallop Squash Blend with Tender, Nutty Flavour

‘Patty Pan Mix’ is an attractive blend of scallop-shaped summer squashes in vibrant shades of yellow, white, green, and occasionally bi-colour types. These cheerful, flying-saucer–shaped fruits are harvested young for their tender texture and mild, nutty flavour, perfect for grilling, roasting, stuffing, stir-fries, or adding colour to summer dishes. Plants are compact, fast-growing, and exceptionally productive, providing a continuous supply of fruits throughout the season. Ideal for home gardens, raised beds, and small plots.

Key Features

● Colourful mix of scallop (patty pan) summer squashes

● Tender, nutty flavour when picked young

● Extremely productive and quick to mature

● Compact plants suited for smaller spaces

● Excellent for grilling, roasting and stuffing

How to Sow & Grow ‘Patty Pan Mix’ (Cucurbita pepo) – 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) into warm soil

Harvest: VII–IX (July–September)

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

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep evenly moist

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil

Plant spacing: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)

Height/Spread: Bush type, 45–60 cm (18–24 in) high, wide-spreading mound

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Harvest when fruits are 5–8 cm (2–3 in) for the best texture and flavour.

● Mulch well to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

● Feed regularly once plants begin forming fruits.

● Pick frequently to encourage continuous production.

● Avoid overhead watering to reduce powdery mildew risk.

Special Features

● Vibrant colour mix for gourmet presentation

● Nutty flavour and tender texture when harvested young

● Heavy-cropping plants perfect for summer gardens

Aubergine Eggplant ‘Black Beauty’ – 150 Seeds (Solanum melongena)

Description:
Grow classic, glossy eggplants with Aubergine ‘Black Beauty’ (Solanum melongena). This high-yielding variety produces large, dark purple fruits with tender flesh and mild flavor, perfect for grilling, roasting, or sautéing. Ideal for greenhouses, containers, and garden beds, ‘Black Beauty’ is easy to grow from seed and provides a long harvest throughout the summer. A favorite for home gardeners seeking versatile and productive eggplants.

Key Features

• Large, glossy dark purple fruits

• Mild, tender flesh suitable for a variety of dishes

• High-yielding and long-harvesting variety

• Easy to grow from seed

• Ideal for greenhouses, containers, and garden beds

Ideal For

• Kitchen and home vegetable gardens

• Containers, raised beds, and greenhouse cultivation

• Culinary use: grilling, roasting, sautéing

• Home gardeners seeking productive eggplants

Sowing & Growing

• Sow Indoors: February–April

• Transplant Outdoors: May–June, after frost

• Germination: 7–14 days at 20–25°C

• Spacing: 50–60 cm apart

• Support: Optional staking for heavy fruits

• Light: Full sun

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

Care Tips

• Water consistently, keeping soil evenly moist

• Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with balanced fertilizer

• Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds

• Harvest when fruits are fully glossy and firm

Asparagus ‘Mary Washington’ – 60 Seeds (Asparagus officinalis)

Description:
Grow a classic, long-lived perennial vegetable with Asparagus ‘Mary Washington’ (Asparagus officinalis). This heirloom variety is renowned for its high yields of tender, flavorful green spears with slightly purple tips. Ideal for home gardens and allotments, it produces abundant harvests year after year once established. Easy to grow from seed, ‘Mary Washington’ is disease-resistant and perfect for gardeners seeking a reliable, low-maintenance perennial crop.

Key Features

• Heirloom variety producing tender green spears

• Long-lived perennial with high yields

• Excellent flavor and texture

• Disease-resistant and reliable

• Easy to grow from seed

Ideal For

• Home and kitchen gardens

• Allotments and perennial vegetable beds

• Sustainable, long-term food production

• Gardeners seeking low-maintenance crops

Sowing & Growing

• Sow Indoors: February–April

• Transplant Outdoors: May–June

• Germination: 14–21 days at 20–25°C

• Spacing: 30–45 cm apart in rows 1 m apart

• Light: Full sun

• Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained

Care Tips

• Do not harvest in the first year to allow plants to establish

• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged

• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Harvest spears in spring from the second or third year

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.

Squash 'Uchiki Kuri' Seeds (Cucurbita maxima)

Discover the gourmet favorite Squash 'Uchiki Kuri', also known as the Red Kuri or Onion Squash. This reliable Japanese variety produces small, tear-drop shaped fruits with vibrant orange skin and rich, nutty-sweet golden flesh. Perfect for roasting, soups, curries, and baking, it’s a versatile squash that stores well for winter use.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in late spring or directly outdoors after frost.

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

• Sow 2–3 seeds 2 cm deep in small pots or stations.

• Transplant or thin to one strong plant per station, 90–120 cm apart.

• Water regularly and feed for strong growth.

Key Features

• Traditional Japanese squash with bright orange fruits

• Nutty, sweet flavor with smooth golden flesh

• Compact, manageable fruits (1–2 kg each)

• Stores well for winter use

• High-yielding and easy to grow

Ideal For

• Roasting, soups, curries, and baking

• Winter storage and long-lasting kitchen use

• Home gardeners seeking gourmet squash varieties

• Allotments, vegetable beds, or spacious gardens

Sowing

• Best time: April to June

• Depth: 2 cm

• Spacing: 90–120 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun, fertile soil

• Harvest: September to October

Quick Tip

• Cure fruits in the sun after harvest for longer storage life and enhanced sweetness.

🎃 Cucurbita pepo ‘Baby Bear’ – Compact Pumpkin with Perfect Small Fruits for Autumn Displays

‘Baby Bear’ is a popular mini pumpkin variety bred for producing uniform, small-sized fruits with a classic pumpkin shape. The bright orange pumpkins are smooth, well-rounded and typically weigh 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lb), making them ideal for decorative use, children’s growing projects and autumn displays.

Plants are compact and bush-type, requiring much less space than traditional trailing pumpkins, which makes ‘Baby Bear’ especially suitable for small gardens, raised beds and containers. The fruits also have edible flesh and can be used for simple cooking or baking, though they are mainly grown for ornamental purposes.

Key Features

● Small, uniform pumpkins ideal for decoration

● Compact bush plants – space-saving variety

● Bright orange fruits with classic pumpkin shape

● Suitable for gardens, raised beds and containers

● Easy to grow and reliable performer

How to Sow & Grow Pumpkin ‘Baby Bear’ (UK)

Sow indoors: IV (April)

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

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

Harvest: IX–X (September–October)

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

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained soil

Plant spacing: 60–80 cm (2–2.5 ft)

Fruit size: approx. 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lb)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Bush habit makes this variety easy to manage.

● Feed regularly to support steady fruit production.

● Harvest when fruits are fully coloured and rind is hard.

● Lift fruits off damp soil to prevent rot.

● Excellent choice for decorative autumn harvests.