CHILLI DAYS

February is a good time to sow chilli seeds, as the plants need a long growing season (three to four months) to produce peppers and ripen.

Fill a pot or tray with peat-free compost and sow seeds about 5mm deep.

Cover with a clear plastic lid or plastic bag and leave to germinate on a warm windowsill.

After germination, keep the seedlings somewhere warm

(about 18C) and bright.

Transplant into individual pots once they have two true leaves.