borage – organic £1.99
Position: full sunSoil: fertile and moistRate of growth: fastHardiness: fully hardyThe young leaves of this annual herb have a cucumber taste, that is often used in salads or as a dressing. The vivid sky blue flowers are attractive to bees and have a sweet, honey-like taste.Growing Instructions:Sow thinly, 13mm deep, in March to May outdoors, directly into well prepared soil, and allow 30cm between rows. When big enough to handle, thin the seedlings to 25cm apart and keep them well watered. You will be able to harvest from June until the first frosts, and when the plants die back at the end of the season, they will make useful additions to the compost heap.

chervil – organic curled £1.99
Position: light, dappled shadeSoil: moist and fertileRate of growth: fastHardiness: hardyUsed widely in French cuisine to flavour soups, sauces and egg dishes, this is a fast growing annual with a delicate aniseed flavour. The young, outer leaves have the best flavour and can be frozen for later use.Growing Instructions:Sow in March to August outdoors, directly into well prepared soil in a semi shaded position. Sow thinly, 13mm deep, in rows 30cm apart, or sow indoors in pots on a sunny windowsill for fresh leaves virtually all year round. Thin the seedlings to 15cm apart when large enough to handle. The plants can quickly run to flower if they are not kept watered, and regular sowings are required for a constant supply. You will be able to harvest outside from May until the sharp frosts, but indoor crops can be enjoyed year round.

thyme – organic £1.99
Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well drained and lightRate of growth: averageHardiness: hardyAn aromatic, low growing herb, which is ideal for edging paths or filling pots on a sunny patio. The small pink flowers, which appear in summer, are very attractive bees and the scented foliage can be used fresh, dried or frozen to add flavour to a wide range of dishes. Keep well trimmed to allow new growth to come through.Growing Instructions:Sow in March to April, in pots or trays on the surface of barely moist seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of finely sieved compost. Place in a propagator at 15-20C until germination, which usually takes up to 24 days. Transplant the seedlings into small pots or cells until they are large enough to plant outdoors. Plant them 25cm apart inwell prepared soil in full sun, after all risk of frost has passed, and they will be ready for harvest from July onwards. They are winter hardy, but for the best flavour, you should pick the new growth. Plants should survive for several years and they can be trimmed to keep their shape.

spinach – organic £1.99
Position: full sunSoil: fertile and moisture retentiveRate of growth: fastHardiness: hardyA popular ingredient in mixed salads, the dark green leaves of this variety can be picked young and eaten rawas ‘baby leaves’, or left to fully mature and cooked as normal before eaten. This one shows good mildew tolerance.Growing Instructions:Sow thinly from March to July outdoors, in well prepared soil, in either narrow or broad drills, 13mm deep and 30cm apart. Suitable for sowing throughout the year, and it can also be sown in September to October under glass. Thin the seedlings to 5cm apart for ‘baby leaves’ and 10cm for larger plants, and keep them well watered to avoid bolting (running to seed). You can enjoy the crop from May to September outdoors, or November onwards if grown under glass.

parsley – organic flat leaved £1.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist but well drainedRate of growth: fastHardiness: hardySaid to have a stronger flavour than the curley type, the leaves of this parsley are softer and easier to chop. It is widely used in hot and cold dishes as a garnish, and it makes an excellent windowsill herb.Growing Instructions:Sow thinly in March to July, in a well prepared seedbed in full sun or partial shade, 13mm deep in drills 30cm apart. Thin out the seedlings to 23cm apart when large enough to handle. Keep well watered and pick stems regularly to encourage more to come. It can also be sown indoors in a pot on a sunny windowsill from August to February for fresh leaves all year round. It has good winter hardiness, and the plants should survive for several years. Apply a mulch of compost for added winter protection.

coriander – organic £1.99
Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist but well drainedRate of growth: fastHardiness: hardy A quick growing, aromatic annual that is widely used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean or Indian cooking. All parts of the plant are edible, but it is primarily grown for the freshleaves and dried seeds.Growing Instructions:Sow in March to August outdoors, directly into a well prepared soil in full sun. Sow thinly 13mm deep, in rows 30cm apart, and thin the seedlings to 23cm apart when large enough to handle and you will be able to start cropping from May. Alternatively you can sow them indoors in pots on a sunny windowsill for fresh leaves virtually all year round. The plants can quickly run to flower if they are not kept watered, and regular sowings are required for a constant supply.