Vegetables

French, scarlet runner and butter beans can be sown now in most areas. If late frosts are usual in your area, wait until next month, or start seed under cover for planting out later. Scarlet runners do best when sown in double rows 20cm apart, with 15cm between plants. Growing to a height of 2m to 3m, the plants need a firm framework of wood or steel piping to withstand strong winds.

A bean teepee of strong bamboo or metal enables three or four plants to be grown in a small space. Dwarf beans should be sown in rows 40cm to 60cm apart, with the seeds 8cm apart.

Like beans, sweet corn can be started under cloches. Seed germination is usually rapid and the young plants will grow quickly but should not outgrow the cloches before the weather is warm enough for the shelter to be removed.

Kohlrabi is closely related to turnips and tolerates hotter, drier conditions than white turnips, has greenishwhite or purple bulbs and can be harvested from golfball size. Celeriac, or turniprooted celery, is worth growing for its bulbous roots, which usually are cooked but can also be used in salads. Seed tends to be slow to germinate and sowing in seed trays and planting out when all danger of frost has passed is recommended.

Lettuce, radish, mustard, cress, peas, runner beans, parsnips and carrots can be sown now. White and golden turnip seed can go in too, but sow a small number now and a few more once the plants are well above ground. Turnips are best eaten when just mature or they go stringy, tough and sharpflavoured.

Leeks and Brussels sprouts can be sown now, as can broccoli and Savoy cabbage.

Seed potatoes can be increased by cutting before planting out. Each portion should have two good eyes or sturdy sprouts.

Onions for pickling can be sown.

Sow seed to about twice the depth of the seed. Make the ground firm or the onions will not produce proper bulbs.