A new Christmas tradition has emerged over the last few years as the supermarkets engage in a price war over veg. When a bag of carrots costs as little as 8p, it’s worth buying extra and getting creat

Exciting recommendations from our expert plantsman

Basil: Position in a bright spot on the windowsill or a heated greenhouse. It’s best to use free-draining compost. Broad beans: This tasty veg can be sown early this month if you choose a hardy variet

Broad beans: If conditions are mild, you can sow seeds outside for an early harvest Cauliflowers: Sow seeds 2cm deep in a seed bed, allowing 60cm between rows for larger cultivars Microgreens: Perfect

This rocket variety offers large leaves with the distinctive peppery taste you would expect. They are slower to run to seed than some of their counterparts, and have good heat tolerance. Sow outdoors,

Though the cheerful chest of a robin can be seen throughout the year, this friendly bird has become synonymous with the festive season. This largely dates back to Victorian Christmas cards depicting p