Vegetables

French and butter beans can be sown in the open. Place seeds singly, about 15cm apart and 5cm deep.

Runner beans for growing up trellises or on frames can be sown now in a sunny spot. Although generally grown as annuals, runner beans can be cut back to ground level in autumn and will come away again the following spring.

Smaller cucumber varieties (lemon, true lemon) can be sown in rich soil but, in cooler areas, these and other cucurbits, including zucchini (courgettes), are better grown from plants bought from a garden centre.

Maincrop beetroot can be sown, to mature in autumn and stand over winter. Sow beetroot seed about 1cm deep.

Asparagus can be harvested now and spears can be taken over the next month. Resist taking any shoots in the first season so the root system can develop. Give an application of general fertiliser, at the rate of 100g per sq m, before harvesting starts, then liquid manure regularly for the rest of the growing season.

Sweet corn can still be sown. Choose a fastermaturing variety, and sow in groups of six to eight plants, 15cm apart in each direction, to help fertilisation. The plants need shelter from cold winds and plenty of compost, lime and potash. Apply 45g per sq m before planting.

Celery plants can be transferred to the garden now. Space them 30cm apart in trenches dug 30cm deep and filled with wellmanured soil.

Peas, lettuce, carrots, spring onions, radish and turnips can still be sown for succession crops.

Winter greens — Savoy cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower should be sown now.