Our pick of the best potager plants

Tropaeolum majus Grown to lure aphids away from other plants, annual nasturtiums are easy from seed. The flowers are edible too. H2m (6½ft) S1.5m (5ft)

Tagetes patula Annual French marigolds are good for deterring aphids. Plant close to brassicas to repel cabbage whites, too. H50cm (20in) S30cm (12in)

Courgettes Sow in pots indoors, then plant out after the frosts. They’ll cover bare soil and hold back weeds. Crops JuneOct. H45cm (18in) S90cm (3ft)

Runner beans Prepare the soil with organic matter, and support on an A-frame or wigwam of canes for crops from June-October. H2.4m (8ft) S50cm (20in)

Carrots Sow direct where they are to grow in sandy, stone-free soil. Protect from carrot fly with mesh. Crops June-Dec. H30cm (12in) S10cm (4in)

Rocket Succession-sow these leaves for their bold, peppery flavour. Keep watered and harvest with scissors MarchNov. H75cm (30in) S30cm (12in)

Mint Plant in a pot. Common spearmint (Mentha spicata) is more vigorous than peppermint (Mentha piperita). H60cm (2ft) S indefinite

Tomatoes Choose from cordon or bush types. Easy to grow in pots or growbags outdoors – use a stake to support. Crops July-Nov. H and S1.2-1.8m (4-6ft)

Strawberries An easy perennial fruit available in red and white forms. Mulch with straw and keep watered. Crops June-July. H30cm (12in) S45cm (18in)

Rhubarb Perennial Rheum rhabarbarum is an easy crop whose stalks ripen Mar-July. Force stems in midwinter by covering with a forcing jar. H and S1.2m (4ft)