Courgettes

Sow seeds 2cm deep, direct in the soil, from mid-may, allowing 80cm for each plant in all directions. Sow two seeds where you want plants to grow: if any grow double, split off and plant elsewhere. Courgettes are famously productive – three plants are enough for most households. Before sowing, add 50g of fertiliser per square metre. If the soil is dry, water well the day before sowing.

Try ‘Alfresco’, ‘Ambassador’ or ‘Defender’. Courgette flowers, also a delicacy, are produced before the fruit. If you pick them, you won’t get fruit, so choose wisely!