Cucumbers

Last summer’s tangle of cucumbers left me wishing I’d trained them a bit, but their wild ways didn’t affect the fruit. In fact they were very forgiving and would hang there happily for days if I didn’t manage to pick them.

Ways to enjoy

My top tip is to peel them, slice them thinly and salt the slices lightly to remove some excess water. Rinse them and pop in a bowl with cider vinegar, crushed coriander seeds, sugar, black pepper and chopped dill. You’ll never look back I promise. At the other end of the culinary spectrum, try cooking them – slice into half moons, fry in butter and season.

Check cucumber plants regularly, as fruits can grow rapidly