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How tastes change. Going back five years, I hardly remember ever cooking with chillies, but now I use them nearly every week. They're so easy to grow from seed, but you can buy young plants from garden centres, like the pretty 'Medusa' (pictured) I

Alys Fowler's top 10 veg plantsWith increased awareness of organic farming, food miles and healthy eating, many more people are trying their hand at growing vegetables. We caught up with Alys Fowler at the Chelsea Flower Show for some tips

to make chilli powder and paprika. A plentiful seed to swap with friends or to store for the following year at the bottom of the fridge.ChilliesSow one or two beans where you want plants to grow, in open ground or containers, from mid-May to early August

Well, thank goodness for greenhouses. I've practically been living in mine this month. It's been far too chilly to even think about sowing outside, and besides, I don't do frozen fingers.Under glass, though, it's all lovely and cosy, and I potter

I'm always looking for plants that make an impact - things that will grab the attention and put on a good show. Seasonal bedding and bulbs are always popular, but many shrubs also grow well in patio pots.Over the years I've tried all sorts, from

, and eventually grew too large.Let's be fair. All plants grow, and many trees, shrubs, perennials and climbers can grow too tall or wide for their site, so this isn't just a 'problem' with conifers.As always when choosing plants, do your homework, get advice from

and courgette plants are extremely productive, so you'll harvest generous amounts from a smallish space. Salad leaf seeds are another good investment, as they grow fast and give useful crops from the tiniest patch, or a container.Early and late crops are another

the end of the 2012 growing season. The reason I’m flustered is that there’s so much still to do, and the most urgent job is to bring any tender plants that are still outside under cover before they’re damaged.I have a lovely selection of tender succulents