Leek Musselburgh Seeds Average Seeds 300 £0.95
A hardy, traditional Scottish variety which produces long thick stems. Sow thinly, 1.25cm (½”) deep in drills 23cm (9″) apart on an outdoor seed bed March-April. When seedlings are 20cm (8″) high, transplant after watering the seed bed. Using a dibber, make holes 12.5-15cm (5-6″) deep and 23-30cm (9-12″) apart each way. Place a plant in each hole and fill with water to settle the roots. Water frequently and gradually earth up plants, continuing until October. Grow leeks of exhibition quality by sowing under glass in February. Harvest September-March. HEALTH BENEFITS: Anti bacterial and fungal. High in potassium (regulates heart rhythm, nerve impulses and muscle function), folic acid (required for the absorption of iron – important for healthy blood and the production of DNA maintaining cell structure) and vitamins A (for growth, healthy hair, skin, bones, teeth and eyes as well as resistance to respiratory infections) & C (anti-ageing, wound healing, decreasing blood cholesterol and prevention of infections. Assists the body in absorbing iron). COOKING HINTS: A traditional ingredient in soups and stews or as a boiled vegetable, but also try thinly sliced in stir-fries.

Broad Beans Aquadulce Claudia Seeds (Vicia faba) Average Seeds 60 £1.45
Aquadulce Claudia is an early maturing bean with long pods and high yields. In our opinion, the best broad bean variety for autumn sowing to harvest late the following spring. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. For early crops sow late October-November or in January, in a warm sheltered position. Sowings for summer cropping should be made February-March. Sow in double rows 23cm (9″) apart, 5cm (2″) deep, 23cm (9″) apart allowing 90cm (3′) between each pair of rows. Pinch out the plant tops when in full flower to obtain better filled pods and to avoid infestation with black fly. Double row 6m (20′). Harvest when seed shape is just visible through the pod.HEALTH BENEFITS: Source of vitamins A (For growth, healthy hair, skin, bones, teeth and eyes as well as resistance to respiratory infections), C (Anti-ageing, wound healing, decreasing blood cholesterol and prevention of infections. Assists the body in absorbing iron), and E (Antioxidant important for anti-ageing [particularly for skin]). Source of protein and fibre.

Carrot Chantenay Red Cored Royal 2 Seeds – Triple Pack Average Seeds 4650 – Triple Pack SAVE 70p! £2.00
A stump-rooted, early maincrop with small cored roots of fine texture. Recommended for deep freezing. For early crops sow Amsterdam Forcing or Rocket in frames or under cloches February-March. Start outdoor sowings from early March choosing a warm and well-drained position. For maincrop, sow April-July. Sow into a fine tilth of crumbly earth. Sow seed 1.8cm (¾”) deep in drills 23-30cm (9-12″) apart. Thin seedlings when the first rough leaves appear, repeating as necessary until plants are 5-7.5cm (2-3″) apart. Row 6m (20′) or more. Sow thinly to minimise thinning (which can attract Carrot Root Fly). The carrot is a storage organ and hence shop bought produce can be high in pesticide residues – so a good reason to grow your own. HEALTH BENEFITS: Very high in vitaminA (For growth, healthy hair, skin, bones, teeth and eyes as well as resistance to respiratory infections). COOKING HINTS: Unlike many vegetables, the availability of nutrients is actually increased with cooking – as long as not overdone.

Dwarf French Beans Ferrari seeds Average Seeds 130 £1.85
An outstanding dwarf french bean producing high yields of 15cm (6″) long, slender, straight, round pods that are stringless and full of flavour. They have a good shelf-life, but also freeze well. Resistant to Anthracnose, Halo Blight and Mosaic Virus. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. Maturing time 12 weeks from sowing. Also known as Kidney Beans. Short bushy plants produce heavy crops of delicious, slim, fleshy beans. For early crops in June, sow mid March onwards in rows 30cm (1′) apart and 5cm (2″) deep, setting the seed 15cm (6″) apart. Cover with cloches to exclude frost. For July-October crops sow from late April onwards in rows 60cm (2′) apart setting the seeds 15cm (6″). Row 18m (60′), except where stated. For early crops – sow in pots and plant out. Use polythene or fleece to warm soil prior to sowing. HEALTH BENEFITS: Medium levels vitamin A (For growth, healthy hair, skin, bones, teeth and eyes as well as resistance to respiratory infections). COOKING HINTS – Use fresh or freeze. Cook pencil types whole or slice flat types. Never eat pods raw.

Borecole Redbor F1 Seeds (Curly Kale) Average Seeds 55 £1.75
Attractive purple/red leaves, good winter hardiness and excellent tolerance to pests and diseases, Redbor will make a delicious, nutritious and beautiful addition to your vegetable or flower garden. A superb source of tasty and highly nutritious autumn, winter and spring ‘greens’. Resistant to very bad winter conditions. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. Sow 1.8cm (¾”) deep on a prepared seed bed at the end of April/early in May. Set out the plants in their final positions, 60cm (2′) apart each way July-early August. Harvest mid October-March. Remove any discoloured foliage and apply a fertiliser in spring to boost new shoots. Can also use the seed as a healthy ‘sprouting seed’. HEALTH BENEFITS: An important source of nutrients and in particular very useful in winter when fresh vegetables can be in short supply. Has high levels of vitamin A (For growth, healthy hair, skin, bones, teeth and eyes as well as resistance to respiratory infections), and C (Anti-ageing, wound healing, decreasing blood cholesterol and prevention of infections. Assists the body in absorbing iron). COOKING HINTS: Pick leaves when young and tender, lightly steam or stir-fry to conserve maximum nutrient value.

Radish Dragon F1 Average Seeds 130 £1.55
A first-class radish producing roots that are 8-10cm (3-4″) long with a cylindrical shape, bright pink skin and tasty, crisp white flesh. Sow thinly, 1cm (½”) deep in drills drawn 15cm (6″) apart. Make first sowings in March, in a warm, sheltered position, followed by others at regular intervals, to ensure a constant supply of firm, mildly flavoured roots during spring and summer. Row 6m (20′). HEALTH BENEFITS: High in potassium and vitamin C and contains sulphur compounds.

Runner Bean Streamline Seeds Average Seeds 65 £1.90
A popular and reliable runner bean for general use bearing a good crop of pods up to 45cm (18″) long. Maturing 12-16 weeks from sowing. Recommended for deep freezing. Any good garden soil will do, but the best crops are obtained after deep digging and liberal manuring. For early crops sow in pots under cover in April and plants out mid May, protecting against frost. Alternatively sow outdoors from April onwards, protecting early crops with cloches until frost danger is past. Sow 5-7.5cm (2-3″) deep and 15cm (6″) apart in double rows 30cm (12″) apart. Allow 1.5m (5′) between each double row. Thin resulting plants to grow on about 30cm (12″) apart. Stake the plants as soon as possible after germination. Harvest August-mid October. Plants reach a height of 1.8-2.1m (6-7′). Double row 4.5m (15′), except where stated. New research indicates that evening watering of the roots increases cropping and pod set. HEALTH BENEFITS: Good quantities of vitamin C (anti-ageing, wound healing, decreasing blood cholesterol and prevention of infections. Assists the body in absorbing iron), folate and iron together with fibre. COOKING HINTS: Cook thinly and steam for just five minutes (or boil for three) as vitamins are easily lost.

Celery Golden Spartan Seeds Average seeds 1100 £1.25
A very productive, pale-green-stemmed, self-blanching celery with good bolting tolerance. Produces very long, smooth thick ribs with excellent taste and texture. Self-blanching type – maturing time approximately 18 weeks from sowing. Sow under glass in February for an early crop, or March-April for a main crop. They are not frost-hardy – plant outdoors May-June, 23cm (9″) apart in each direction. Harvest July to mid-November. No earthing up required. HEALTH BENEFITS – Used by herbalists to lower blood pressure. Also has anti-inflammatory properties. Good source of potassium. Good for slimmers, very low in calories.