START CHILLIES INDOORS

WHO WOULD BE without a potted chilli plant on the patio or greenhouse bench? Even if you’re not a fiery fan (and there are cultivars to suit any taste) they must rate as the prettiest of homegrown harvests. For the winter-weary gardener there are dozens of cultivars to choose from, and they also hold the crown for being one of the first seeds to sow in the new gardening year.

Gardeners with a heated greenhouse or warm conservatory can get a head start by sowing in late January, otherwise wait until mid-February and be prepared to use a warm windowsill before moving them out to an unheated greenhouse.