3 crops to start now

Cucumber ‘Marketmore’

This AGM outdoor variety produces plentiful crops of crisp fruit, even in poor seasons. How to Sow seeds on their side in small pots on a windowsill or in a greenhouse. When all risk of frost has passed, harden off and plant out in a sunny, sheltered spot. Provide supports and pinch out the tip after seven leaves have formed. Water regularly and feed with tomato feed.

Parsnip ‘Hollow Crown’

This is one of the oldest parsnip varieties still in cultivation. It produces long roots, with a sweet flavour after they’ve been ‘frost kissed’. How to Sow seeds direct in an area that was manured early the previous year. You can also add sand to improve drainage, depending on your soil type. Sow seeds in drills and lay fleece over the top to keep the soil warm until germination takes place. Thin out if you’re lucky enough to have excess seeds germinate. Keep seedlings well-watered during dry periods.

Tagetes tenuifolia ‘Lemon Gem’

You’ll get double benefits from this cheery yellow marigold. It produces edible flowers, which, when interplanted with tomatoes and beans, attract pollinators to them. How to Either sow into seed trays in a cold frame or directly into a prepared seed bed. When true leaves appear, either pot them on individually or thin them out in the seed bed. Plant out among your vegetable plants.