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Jekka McVicar's 10 companion plantsJekka McVicar's organic herb garden achieved a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show 2009. We caught up with her at the show to discover her top 10 herbs for growing as companion plants.Companion planting

Good quality seed compostSmall 7.5cm pots x2ClingfilmMarch - Juneten minutes to sow the seedsMay - SeptemberFill each pot with compost, water it with tap water and leave to drain. Don't use rainwater from a butt as it may contain bacteria, which can cause

You can never have enough lettuce in summer, but sowing directly into the soil takes up valuable space in the garden. Keep a regular supply growing by sowing seeds in lengths of plastic guttering: short, 1m lengths are convenient and easy to handle

.Growing edible crops from seedRead Pippa Greenwood's blog on growing salad leavesGrowing basil from seedGrowing tomatoes from seedGrowing chillies from seed

them (they will turn brown and papery as they mature), and store in a cool, dry place.Calendula seedEnvelopeSilica gelAirtight containerautumn or spring20 minutesWhen the seedheads have developed fully, remove them from the plant and lay them on a sheet

. Space plants out to ensure good air circulation, and water early enough in the day to allow the leaves to dry out before nightfall. Also remove any garden debris that might harbour the fungus.lettucessummer to autumnMore common fungal problems

-magnesium carbonate to the soil in autumn or winter to remedy the deficiency for next year.potatoes, apples, cherries, grape vines, tomatoes, camellias, rhododendronssummer, autumn, winterMore common plant problemsCanna virusRaspberry nutrient deficiencyHollyhock rust

kill a plant. Since there are separate fungal species that affect different plants, an attack on your curcubits won't lead to a garden epidemic. Powdery mildew and powdery mildew on roses are similar problems, with similar solutions.The first sign

with copper fungicide every 10 days or so. They don't provide 100 per cent protection, but an attack will be slowed down and you should get a ripe crop.potatoes, tomatoessummer, autumn, winterMore advice on growing potatoesAdvice on earthing up potatoes

with myclobutanil or sulphur. Always check the label first if you're using these products on edible crops.shrubssummerMore common fungal infections Gooseberry mildewTomato leaf mouldMildew on cucurbitsGrey mould on soft fruits