Sow in June

Squash 'Marina di Chioggia' – Seeds (Cucurbita maxima)

The 'Marina di Chioggia' squash is a traditional Italian heirloom variety, prized for its rugged, dark green, warty skin and rich, sweet orange flesh. Originating from the coastal town of Chioggia near Venice, this unique pumpkin has been a staple in Italian markets for centuries and is still beloved today for its superb flavor in soups, gnocchi, risottos, and baking.

Its fruits are typically 3–5 kg, round, and deeply ribbed, with a long storage life that makes them excellent for use throughout the winter months. A true standout in the garden and kitchen alike!

How to Grow

. Sow indoors: April – May in pots, 2–3 cm deep
. Transplant outdoors: Late May – June, after frost risk has passed
. Sow outdoors: May – June, directly in the ground
. Spacing: 1 m apart in rich, well-drained soil
. Harvest: September – October, when fruits are fully ripened

Key Features

. Italian heirloom pumpkin with striking warty skin
. Fruits weigh 3–5 kg, perfect for storage
. Sweet, dense, orange flesh – ideal for roasting, soups & baking
. Long-keeping winter squash
. Traditional variety still popular in Venice markets

Ideal For

. Traditional and heritage vegetable gardens
. Chefs and home cooks seeking authentic Italian flavors
. Long-term winter storage
. Eye-catching display in kitchen gardens and autumn harvests

Sowing & Harvesting

. Sow: April – June
. Harvest: September – October

Quick Tip

For best results, feed regularly with compost or organic fertilizer and allow fruits to ripen fully on the vine for maximum sweetness.

Squash 'Ambar' Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

Grow something unique with Squash 'Ambar', a vigorous hybrid variety that produces glossy, dark green cylindrical fruits with excellent texture and flavor. Known for its high yields and uniform fruits, this variety is a reliable choice for both home gardeners and kitchen enthusiasts. Perfect for grilling, roasting, and stuffing, ‘Ambar’ brings versatility and freshness to your summer meals.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in April–May or directly outdoors after frost.

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

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

• Thin to the strongest seedling, spacing 60–80 cm apart.

• Water regularly and feed for abundant crops.

Key Features

• High-yielding hybrid squash variety

• Glossy dark green, uniform fruits

• Excellent texture and mild, delicious flavor

• Vigorous, productive plants all season

• Ideal for grilling, stuffing, or light summer dishes

Ideal For

• Home gardeners wanting reliable, heavy crops

• Summer vegetable gardens

• Fresh, healthy cooking from garden to table

• Growers looking for uniform, market-quality fruits

Sowing

• Best time: April to June

• Depth: 2 cm

• Spacing: 60–80 cm between plants

• Position: Sunny, sheltered spot with fertile soil

• Harvest: From July to September

Quick Tip

• Harvest fruits regularly when young (15–20 cm) to ensure tender texture and encourage the plant to keep producing.

Patty Pan 'Custard White' – Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

The Patty Pan 'Custard White' is a striking summer squash variety producing creamy white, scalloped fruits with a tender texture and mild, nutty flavor. These unique squashes can be harvested young for grilling, steaming, and stir-fries or left to mature for stuffing and baking. Both ornamental and delicious, they add variety to your kitchen garden and your plate.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from April or directly outdoors from May once the soil has warmed.

• Plant 2–3 seeds per hole, 2 cm deep, thinning to the strongest seedling.

• Space plants 60–90 cm apart in sunny, fertile soil.

• Water regularly and feed for a steady crop.

Key Features

• Distinctive white, scalloped fruits

• Tender flesh with mild, nutty flavor

• Harvest young or mature depending on use

• Highly productive and ornamental

• Versatile for grilling, baking, or stuffing

Ideal For

• Summer vegetable gardens

• Home cooks seeking versatile squash

• Decorative harvest baskets and kitchen displays

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: April to June

• Harvest: July to October

Quick Tip

• Harvest fruits when small and tender for the best flavor and a continuous crop.

Red Pear Tomato – Seeds (Solanum lycopersicum)

The Red Pear Tomato is a charming heirloom variety producing clusters of small, pear-shaped, bright red fruits. With a sweet, tangy flavor and firm texture, these tomatoes are perfect for fresh snacking, salads, or adding a decorative touch to dishes. Highly productive and visually appealing, they are a favorite for both garden aesthetics and culinary use.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from February to April, 0.5 cm deep in trays or pots.

• Maintain 18–22°C until germination.

• Transplant seedlings into larger pots, then outdoors or in a greenhouse after frost.

• Support plants with stakes or cages to handle heavy clusters of fruit.

Key Features

• Heirloom pear-shaped fruits in bright red

• Sweet, tangy flavor and firm texture

• High-yielding and productive

• Ideal for fresh eating and salads

• Attractive ornamental value for gardens and containers

Ideal For

• Snacking, fresh salads, and garnishes

• Home gardens and patio pots

• Heirloom collections and colorful vegetable displays

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to April

• Plant out: May to June

• Harvest: July to September

Quick Tip

• Pick fruits regularly as they ripen to encourage continuous production and maintain plant vigor.

Pumpkin 'Golias' – Seeds

(Cucurbita pepo) – Giant, Decorative & Edible Pumpkin

Pumpkin 'Golias' is an impressive giant pumpkin variety, producing extra-large, round fruits with smooth orange skin. Known for its huge size and vigorous growth, it makes a real garden showpiece while also being delicious in soups, bakes, and pies. Perfect for competitions, carving, or autumn displays.

Key Features

• Type: Annual fruiting vegetable

• Fruit size: Extra-large, giant pumpkins

• Skin: Smooth orange

• Flavor: Mild, sweet flesh suitable for cooking

• Harvest: Late summer to autumn

• Use: Cooking, carving, decoration, competitions

Ideal For

• Giant vegetable growing

• Autumn harvest festivals & carving

• Cooking soups, pies, and bakes

• Impressive garden displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: April–May, 2–3 cm deep in pots.

• Transplant outdoors: Late May–June, after last frost.

• Direct sowing: From mid-May, 2–3 cm deep.

• Spacing: 1–1.5 m between plants.

• Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained with compost/manure.

• Harvest: September–October, when skins harden.

Care Tips

• Requires full sun and plenty of water.

• Feed regularly for maximum fruit size.

• Protect from frost – harvest before first frost arrives.

Italian Courgette 'Genovese' – Seeds (Zucchini Long Pale Green)

Italian Courgette 'Genovese' is a classic zucchini variety producing long, pale green fruits with tender flesh and a mild, delicate flavor. Ideal for grilling, steaming, roasting, or sautés, this high-yielding summer squash thrives in sunny gardens and produces a continuous harvest throughout the season. Perfect for fresh cooking and adding color and taste to your meals.

How to Grow

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

• Plant 2–3 seeds per hole, 2–3 cm deep, thinning to the strongest seedling.

• Space plants 60–90 cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun.

• Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.

• Harvest fruits when young and tender for the best flavor.

Key Features

• Long, pale green summer zucchini

• Tender flesh with mild, delicate flavor

• High-yielding and continuous harvest

• Versatile for grilling, roasting, steaming, and sautés

• Easy to grow in gardens, raised beds, and containers

Ideal For

• Summer vegetable gardens and home allotments

• Fresh cooking: sautéing, grilling, roasting, and steaming

• Gardeners seeking prolific and reliable zucchini varieties

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March to June

• Spacing: 60–90 cm

• Harvest: June to September

Quick Tip

• Pick zucchinis when 15–20 cm long for the best flavor and texture; regular harvesting encourages continued production.

Greek Oregano – Seeds (Origanum hirtum)

Greek Oregano (Origanum hirtum) is a robust perennial herb, prized for its intensely aromatic leaves that are essential in Mediterranean cooking. Known for its strong flavor, it is a must-have for seasoning pizzas, pasta, roasted meats, and vegetables. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it also produces clusters of small white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

Why Grow Greek Oregano?

• Classic Mediterranean herb with strong, authentic flavor

• Hardy perennial, easy to maintain

• Drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils

• Attracts bees and pollinators when in bloom

Key Features

• Type: Perennial herb

• Height: 30–60 cm

• Spread: 30–45 cm

• Flowering: June–August

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Light, well-drained

Ideal For

• Culinary herb gardens

• Mediterranean and rock gardens

• Container growing

• Pollinator-friendly borders

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in trays/pots

• Germination: 10–21 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant outdoors: After frost risk has passed

• Direct sow outdoors: May–June

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Harvest leaves regularly for best flavor

Tip: Trim plants after flowering to keep them compact and encourage fresh growth.

French Marigold ‘Petite Orange’ – Seeds

(Tagetes patula nana) – Compact Orange Marigold

French Marigold ‘Petite Orange’ is a dwarf, early-flowering marigold variety producing masses of bright orange blooms on compact, bushy plants. It’s perfect for borders, edging, rockeries, and containers, offering continuous color throughout summer until the first frost.

Key Features

• Type: Annual

• Height: 20–25 cm

• Flowering: June–October

• Color: Bright orange

• Special: Compact habit, long flowering, easy to grow

Ideal For

• Bedding and border planting

• Pots, containers, and window boxes

• Edging and rock gardens

• Companion planting with vegetables (repels pests)

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April

• Transplant outdoors: After frost

• Spacing: 20–25 cm

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Sunlight: Full sun

Care Tips

• Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooms.

• Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.

• Tolerates heat and dry conditions well.

FRENCH MARIGOLD ‘QUEEN SOPHIA’ SEEDS (Tagetes patula nana)

Bring vibrant, long-lasting color to your garden with French Marigold ‘Queen Sophia’. This dwarf variety produces rich, golden-orange blooms all summer, perfect for borders, beds, and containers. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, it attracts pollinators and naturally deters garden pests.

Why Grow "Queen Sophia"

• Dwarf, compact growth habit

• Long-lasting, vibrant golden-orange flowers

• Attracts pollinators and repels pests naturally

• Ideal for borders, beds, and containers

Key Features

• Type: Dwarf annual (Tagetes patula nana)

• Height: 15–25 cm

• Flowering: Summer (June–September)

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Garden borders, flower beds, containers, companion planting

Ideal For

• Adding vibrant color to garden borders and flower beds

• Patio pots and balcony containers

• Companion planting with vegetables

• Beginner-friendly gardeners

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost

• Sow outdoors: After frost danger has passed

• Germination: 7–14 days

• Space seedlings: 15–20 cm apart

• Full sun ensures best flowering