Vegetable Starter Growing Kit – A Bountiful Harvest!

Carrot nantes

Sowing outside: from April to June. Sow thinly into growing site ¾ “ deep. Sow carefully so you don’t have to thin out seedlings later. Grow in a weed free,light, well-drained soil. Great for growing in containers if you have limited space. Grow alongside spring onions, leeks or mint to help deter carrot root fly.

Uses: Soups,stews, casseroles,vegetable dishes,cakes and salads.

TIP: Carrots don’t like freshly manured soils, if preparing a veg bed, best advised to do so the previous autumn before sowing in spring.

Dwarf French Bean ‘Speedy’

Sowing outside: From April onwards when has soil warmed up. Sow 2 seeds 2” deep and 9” apart. Water regularly during and after the flowering period and keep area around plant free from weeds. Support the plants with twig / bamboo canes to prevent the plants from falling over.

Harvest: regularly to get the best yield. Pick or cut the beans off the stem with a pair of scissors being careful not the dislodge the stem. a couple of times a week Once harvested, feed the plants with a liquid vegetable feed available at your local garden centre / diy store. This will promote a second crop – although it won’t be as big as the first crop.

Uses: Garlic butter or sesame seeds. With other seasonal vegetables,broths, chicken, meats, stir-fries, fish & potatoes.

Tip: If you have a large harvest, these beans are great to freeze. Wash and trim the ends off the pods and blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Freeze in a polythene bag and your beans can be stored for up to 12 months.

Peas ‘Rondo’ (pisum sativum)

Sowing outside: Direct sow from end March-June once the soil has warmed up. Sow in well drained soil in full sun. Sow seeds 1 1/2 “ deep and up to 30” apart. Sow every 10 days for successional crops.

Uses: Flowers for decorating cakes,fish dishes & salads. Maincrop for salads,pastas, soups,cured meats, herbs and other spring vegetables,seafoods and purees.

TIP: Water regularly & thoroughly when in flower to improve your yield; Harvest approx. 14 weeks after sowing.

Spinach Bordeaux

Sowing outside: April to mid-June and Aug-Sept. Sow seeds thinly 0.5” deep and up to 12” apart. Harvest as required only picking a few leaves from each plant. Water well during dry spells. Prefers well drained soil in full sun. Keep the area weed free and remove any flower heads that appear.

Harvest: Pull off the outer leaves without disturbing the roots when they are large enough to use. It’s best not to wait until they are fully mature.

Uses: Steamed, salads, pastas, risottos,vegetables, soups, fish, sandwiches, wraps & meats.

Tip: Great with Halloumi, feta or combined with ricotta or parmesan.

Swiss Chard Bright Lights

Sowing outside: From April to August. Sow in either in a moist seedbed, pot or container in full sun / partial shade. Sow thinly ½” deep and up to 12” apart. Water regularly especially during dry periods.

Uses: Use baby-leaf in salads (raw), steam, stir-fries, casseroles, soups & pastas.

Tip: To use as baby-leaf harvest after approx. 50 days.