Alan’s job of the month

Sowing veg seeds outdoors

Beetroot Hugely underrated, but enjoying renewed popularity Broad beans Easy to germinate, producing a large, early crop Carrots Sow sparsely to avoid thinning, which can attract carrot fly Lettuces To ensure continuity, sow a short row every 10 days Radishes The fastest of all crops – tender if kept growing rapidly Swiss chard A long cropping season of edible leaves and stalks