What are f1 varieties & should i buy them?

Saving your own seeds saves you money, helps you continue to grow important or favourite varieties, preserves links with the past and means you can share your seeds with others. But more importantly,

They might not be especially striking to look at–if you can see them at all–but seeds are among the natural world’s most awe-inspiring marvels, says John Lewis-Stempel

Why were some of our sunflower heads deformed? ...

Mike Palmer has some sage words about growing and propagating these long-lasting stunners

NATURAL SEED HARVESTING

Alexandra Campbell provides a comprehensive growing guide to these easy, colourful and wildlife-friendly wonders