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, it also seems to be less attractive to those pesky caterpillars which makes it a winner all round. It's been easy to grow and germinated readily. And the flavour? Simply fab, perfect with gravy and roasties for those autumnal Sunday lunches.

-on algae and the general debris that accumulates over the growing season.So that is why wet weather can sometimes bring advantages. Now, with the naturally softened layer of gunk more easily shifted I am out there, starting to get to grips with all

by the hedge to harden them off before planting them out.We've had mixed results with broad beans. I usually sow them in autumn - trouble is that they need to get established as soon as they're planted otherwise the mice can dig them up and eat them. As well

’d suggest going by yourself. If your family is anything like mine, discussions can get rather heated — we all have strong and differing views about what we should grow and which cultivars taste best!

woody I’ll check the wires more regularly and make sure I remember how quickly plants grow in warm and wet conditions.It’s definitely worth checking the wires on any staked fruit trees, as if left too long they can kill or seriously deform the tree

Last year I ripped out an old strawberry bed as the plants had gone past their best. As if by magic, I was sent several new strawberry varieties to trial. Of course, my son soon had his eye on the plants and suggested he grow them instead of me

The heat has been incredible lately. I feel like my vegetables are cooking in the ground where they're growing. I'm used to the fact that all that soft, tender foliage is like a big advert to passing pests and pathogens, but the intense heat is a

't get caught out by cold winds and chilly nights. Although they're quite small, they'll grow like mad once planted, and will need plenty of room. I usually only put a couple of plants in a 1.2m by 3m bed - any more than that and they start getting out

was the natural place to be. Packed full of ideas for what to grow this year, and armed with packets of seed, I was determined to get some seed sowing done. But before the fun bit, I had to stop prevaricating and clear out the greenhouse.It's well worth cleaning

aluminium foil sheets around the plants, in the hope that they will help to reflect light back on the seedlings and improve their chances of growing into healthy plants.I can never find a decent, slimline dibber, so use a blunt pencil instead. I find