Sow in May

Autumn Leek 'October' – Seeds (Allium porrum)

Autumn Leek 'October' is a hardy, slow-growing variety ideal for autumn and winter harvests. Producing long, thick, pale stems with mild, sweet flavor, it is perfect for soups, stews, quiches, and braised dishes.

Reliable and robust, this variety tolerates frost well, making it a staple for late-season vegetable gardens, raised beds, and allotments.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – March

• Transplant outdoors: May – June

• Depth: 1–2 cm

• Spacing: 15–20 cm between plants, rows 30–40 cm apart

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained, enriched with compost

• Watering: Keep soil moist, avoid waterlogging

Key Features

• Hardy leek variety for autumn and winter harvest

• Long, thick, pale stems with mild, sweet flavor

• Excellent for soups, stews, quiches, and braised dishes

• Frost-tolerant and reliable in cold weather

• Suitable for home gardens, raised beds, and allotments

Harvest

• Harvesting period: October – February

• Pull leeks when stems are thick and firm; can overwinter in the ground with light mulching.

Short Tip

Blanch stems by mounding soil around them in late summer for longer, tender white stems.

🍉 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

🎃 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

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

Corn ‘Strawberry’ Popping – Seeds (Zea japonica)

Corn ‘Strawberry’ Popping (Zea japonica) is a unique and colorful popping corn variety, known for its small, pinkish-red kernels that produce delicious, fluffy popcorn. Easy to grow, this hardy annual thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Perfect for home gardens, educational planting, or novelty popcorn at harvest, it also produces tall, attractive stalks that add vertical interest to borders and vegetable plots.

Why Grow "Strawberry" Popping

• Pinkish-red kernels for fun, colorful popcorn

• Hardy, easy-to-grow annual

• Tall, attractive stalks for vertical garden interest

• Perfect for edible harvest, home gardens, and educational projects

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Zea japonica)

• Height: 120–150 cm

• Flowering/Fruiting: Summer to early autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Edible popcorn, ornamental planting, educational gardening

Ideal For

• Home gardens and backyard harvest

• Educational planting for children and schools

• Ornamental garden display with tall stalks

• Unique popcorn for novelty harvests

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: April–May in fertile, well-drained soil

• Germination: 7–14 days at 20–25°C

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

• Water regularly until established

🎃 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.

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

🎃 Cucurbita maxima ‘True Green Hubbard’ – Classic Heirloom Winter Squash with Sweet, Fine-Grained Flesh

‘True Green Hubbard’ is a beloved heirloom winter squash known for its large, teardrop-shaped fruits, deep green, bumpy skin, and exceptionally sweet, fine-textured orange flesh. Fruits typically reach 4–7 kg, storing extremely well through winter while maintaining their rich flavour. Ideal for baking, roasting, soups, and purées, this vigorous variety produces strong trailing vines and high yields. A reliable choice for traditional kitchen gardens and allotments.

Key Features

● Large heirloom Hubbard squash with deep green skin

● Sweet, fine-grained orange flesh perfect for roasting and baking

● Excellent long-term storage variety

● Vigorous vines with high yields

● Ideal for home gardens, allotments, and winter cooking

How to Sow & Grow Cucurbita maxima ‘True Green Hubbard’ (UK)

Sow indoors: IV–V (April–May) in pots

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

Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) into warm 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; sheltered growing position

Soil type: Rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil; add compost before planting

Plant spacing: 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft) between plants

Vine length: 3–4 m (10–13 ft)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Start indoors for earlier crops; harden off before planting out.

● Mulch generously to conserve moisture and support large fruits.

● Feed regularly once vines begin running.

● Harvest when the rind is hard and stems turn corky.

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

Special Features

● Outstanding long-storage winter squash

● Traditional heirloom with excellent cooking qualities

● Large and productive variety for generous harvests

Tomato 'Yellow Romus' – Seeds (Solanum lycopersicum)

The Tomato 'Yellow Romus' is a productive variety that produces bright yellow, elongated plum-shaped fruits with a mild, sweet flavor. Known for its attractive golden color and meaty texture, this tomato is excellent for fresh eating, sauces, and preserves. A reliable mid-season crop, it’s perfect for greenhouse or outdoor cultivation and adds vibrant color to your tomato harvest.

How to Grow

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

• Keep at 18–22°C until germination.

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

• Support plants with stakes or canes for best yields.

Key Features

• Elongated, plum-shaped golden yellow fruits

• Mild, sweet, and meaty flavor

• High yields throughout the season

• Suitable for greenhouse or outdoor growing

• Excellent for fresh use, sauces, and preserving

Ideal For

• Fresh salads and snacks

• Homemade sauces and preserves

• Bright, colorful vegetable gardens

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to April

• Plant out: May to June

• Harvest: July to September

Quick Tip

• For the sweetest flavor, allow fruits to ripen fully on the vine before harvesting.