Sow& harvest

Get a head start on your veg patch and borders by sowing slow-maturing seeds now. The new shoots will be a sign of hope in February’s dreary days

Aubergines: Grow in a heated greenhouse using a propagator. The temperature should be at 18-21°C Broad beans: This tasty and popular veg can be sown now if you choose a hardy variety such as ‘Super Aq

Pick sprouting broccoli shoots before the tight buds open into bitter, bright-yellow flowers. The ones you want for harvesting grow as short shoots coming from the upright main stems. They tend to be

Lucy ponders some of the potentially exciting jobs for the fortnight ahead

Spring is arguably the season when a greenhouse becomes worth its weight in gold. Anyone who has ever tried to germinate seedlings on a windowsill and found their home overflowing with the resulting p

Hardy herbs such as chives and thyme can be sown in a heated propagator now, but delay starting tender ones, like basil. Dig up and force small herb plants, moving them into a well lit, gently heated