Off to an early start
Most veg are sown in March, but you can start mid-february if you warm the soil for a couple of weeks beforehand with plastic tunnel cloches or a sheet of black polythene.
1 BROAD BEANS
Warm the soil first and sow direct. Alternatively, sow into pots or module trays and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, ready to harden off and transplant when plants have developed a good root system.
2 CARROTS
In February, sow variety ‘Adelaide’ into pots in a greenhouse or direct for an early harvest of sweet baby carrots. 3 MIZUNA AND ORIENTAL LEAVES
Ideal for a small space, sow into short drills in the ground or pots, thinning out plants to 5cm apart. Ready to pick in 3-4 weeks and crops for months. Grow under horticultural fleece to protect against flea beetle.
4 AUBERGINE, PEPPERS AND CHILLI
A long season is needed if plants are to flower and fruit properly by the end of summer. Sow from February through to March into small pots and place on a warm windowsill or heated propagator to germinate.