Foodies Blog

If someone has never grown anything from seed before and doesn’t have a propagator or greenhouse, just a window ledge and a patch outside to plant on into, which five plants would you recommend as their first experiment with growing from seed?
Basil, courgette, dwarf beans, rocket and lettuces.


What are the two most interesting seeds which you think people might like to know about?
Ricinus communis - the castor oil plant is wonderful and makes a great display well into the autumn. I have to mention that the entire plant is poisonous but never heard of any kid trying to eat it!
Hamburg parsley - this is as easy to grow as the normal parsley and you can use the leaves and the large roots too, wonderful in soups, winter stews.

What tips would you give someone about the best way to choose seeds and how to choose a supplier?

Choosing is not easy in today’s market as there are just so many varieties available. The best is to go for your tried and tested favourite ones and then try one or two new things each year. A fun thing for the kids is to have some unusual varieties like the purple carrot or the black cherry tomato, these could encourage them to eat more veggies. It is always better to have more varieties than lots of plants of the same one. And if you don’t use the whole packet up then the seeds will be fine for the next growing season too.

How should seeds be stored and how long can seeds keep for?

Seeds should be kept in a dry and cool environment. Different species’ seeds keep for different lengths of time. For example parsnip and parsley 2-3 years, tomatoes can keep for 7 years and many flower seeds up to 10 years. The seeds lose their germinating ability slowly with time, so even when you have an old packet of seeds, some will still germinate.


If you were shipwrecked on a desert island which had fertile soil but only one type of seed washed up to shore from your ship, what would you want it to be?

Courgette seeds, because it is easy to grow and fairly quick too. One plant can produce many fruits, and I think it would be really delicious with some fried wild birds eggs!


What are your tips for avoiding some of the common problems with veggie plants?

Lots of people complain that parsnip seeds are hard to get started - start parsnips inside on a wet roll of paper, and use fine seed compost for best results. Another big problem these days is tomato blight, it's really hard to avoid. If you got infected then burn all the affected plants and treat the soil. As for the classic bolting spinach, try to grow it in a cool and wet place, if they dry out on the direct sun they will bolt more easily.

How do you avoid spending a fortune when the gardening magazines arrive?
Gardening on a budget is more important than ever before, do not be fooled by the expensive things that are out there. If you grow from seeds, make your own compost all year around and make your own feed using stinging nettle and comfrey tea, then gardening costs only your time really. Oh and save your own seeds, very important!