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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

plants that are tough, hairy and bitter. They'll choose lettuce over chicory, Brussels sprouts over sprouting broccoli, and chrysanthemums over dandelions. Then there are plants with hairy, glossy or waxy leaves, which prevent their tongues scraping away

.Runner beansVarieties such as ‘lollo rossa’ and ‘Salad Bowl’ can be picked a few leaves at a time as they are needed, leaving the rest of the plant to keep growing. This lettuce is good for tubs or a small salad patch, also as edible edging for a potager

hispanica): a plant that has been muscling its way into our gardens and woodlands. Bluebells are protected and it is illegal to dig them up from the wild although there are various nurseries who grow them for sale. They are best planted around this time

indoor lettuces some much-needed ventilation. I must remember, though, to shut it before temperatures drop this evening. I mustn't get lulled into a false sense of security...

everything we might like, so it's important to be selective when choosing which crops to grow.Make the best use of your time by growing the four crops recommended below.Raise young plants on a windowsill indoors, then plant out in late May into well

More information on plants for small gardensDividing snowdropsHand-pollinating helleboresPlanting out lettucesGrowing wildlife-friendly plants