ACTION PLAN

NIGEL COLBORN’S ESSENTIAL JOBS FOR YOUR GARDEN THIS WEEK

WITH noticeably shortening days, this may seem like the end of the growing season. But soils are still warm, the weather mild and, if you sow your seeds now, germination should be speedy.

This applies particularly to fastgrowing salad leaves, which produce speedy crops of fresh greenery.

You can sow seeds in containers or into prepared seed beds. If the soil or growing medium is dry, water it thoroughly and allow to drain before sowing.

If you sow in a seed-bed, make sure the ground is clear of weeds and not too cloddy.

Work it gently into a crumbly tilth to ensure quick germination. Sow the seed in rows, or scatter sparsely over the surface before raking it gently in. If using containers, scatter seed on the surface, then cover with a thin layer of potting compost. Keep young seedlings well-watered and protect the crops from bird attacks. Use netting or horticultural fleece.

Speedy plants for salad leaves include rocket, radish, Chinese greens such as pak choi, lettuce, spring onions and spinach. You can even sow beetroot or turnips to provide fresh baby leaves.

While the soil is still warm, you can sow fresh coriander or basil for aromatic baby leaves.

You can buy seeds as mixtures or for individual crops. Suppliers such as Marshalls (marshalls-seeds.

co.uk) or Unwins (unwins.co.uk) offer both.

If you go for a single variety, rocket is the speediest and has a delicious peppery flavour. Any plants you leave to mature may even self-sow for an effortless autumn nibble.