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Watch Monty Don's video demonstration of how to sow spinach seeds, with advice on the ideal location, soil preparation and spacing.springMore advice on growing vegVideo advice on sowing salad leavesSow lettuce seeds in gutteringHow to sow seeds

Parsnips need a really long growing season but they're well worth the wait. Sow seeds early in the year and look forward to parsnips roasted for the Christmas table, or in warming winter soups.Parsnip seeds e.g. 'Gladiator F1'Trowel or draw hoe

, depending on how much support is needed.Removing sideshoots is an important job which prevents the fruits being shaded by leaves. It also diverts the plant's energy into the growing fruit, so making it more productive. And it's a simple task: simply grasp

compost and keep them in a bright place to ensure they germinate.Chilli seeds e.g. 'Cayenne'Good quality seed compostSmall pots x2ClingfilmJanuary - May10 minutes to sow the seedsJuly - AugustFill two small pots with seed compost. Water the compost

Monty Don demonstrates how to grow carrots in a container, with tips on mixing seeds for even distribution.springGrowing vegetables in pots & containersGrowing potatoes in a binGrowing potatoes in a bagGrowing tomatoes in pots and grow bags

Learn how to grow your own supply of tender, succulent peas, in Monty's video guide. Monty recommends a particularly good long-podded variety and shares advice on soil preparation and seed spacing.springMore on growing fruit and vegRead Jane Moore

Make Halloween extra-special by growing your own pumpkins from seed. Learn how in this archive clip from BBC Gardeners' World (please note that the seed trial Monty mentions is no longer running).springMore advice on growing vegetablesGrow potatoes

about 1cm apart. Lightly cover with a thin layer of compost then stand pot or tray in water to moisten.When the seedlings are a few inches tall, prick them out and transplant into fresh compost. Once established, transplant seedlings into the garden, 10-15

place to ensure they germinate.Tomato seeds e.g. 'Gartenperle'Good quality seed compostSmall pots x2ClingfilmJanuary - April10 minutes to sow the seedsJuly - AugustFill two small pots with seed compost. Water the compost with tap water and leave

Basil is an easy herb to grow, and does well on a warm, sunny window sill. After about five weeks, the seeds will be ready for pricking out. You can keep basil plants indoors all summer, or transplant them outside in late-May. Basil seeds