Skirret ( Sium sisarum)
This was a Tudor favourite, but is now largely forgotten. It’s grown for its sweet, subtle-flavoured slim roots just below the ground. Plants can grow to 1m (3ft 3in) in height and have nice foliage and lovely umbels of white flowers. Direct sow in a light, welldrained soil, and thin out seedlings when large enough. From autumn, check the roots growing just under the surface and harvest the straightest, largest roots for the kitchen if ready.