Parsnips are so versatile, and deserve to be more popular. This reliable variety produces large, tapering roots of good skin and flesh quality. Sow February - April. Harvest September - February.
The swollen leaf bases or ‘bulbs’ are delicious chopped raw in salads or braised and served with fish or meat. They have a texture similar to celery and a taste reminiscent of aniseed. The attractive ferny foliage is also edible and is a great garnish.
The large, irregularly shaped fruits of Marmande have a great taste and are ideal for cooking, sandwiches and salads. A favourite in the Mediterranean, it usually performs well in British conditions. Sow March to May. Harvest July to September
Ideal for those delicious egg and cress sandwiches, and equally as good in salads. Unbeatable as a garnish too. Sow indoors: all year round. Harvest: cut as required with scissors
Calabrese (Italian broccoli) is a great treat in late summer and early autumn, either steamed and eaten hot, or warm as part of a salad. Once the main head has been harvested, side shoots will be produced for later eating. Sow Date: Feb-Apr . Harvest/Flower Date: Aug-Sep
One of the earliest and best spring cabbages, Durham Early produces large, solid heads of excellent quality when other vegetables are scarce. It is good used as ‘spring greens’. Firm, pointed hearts. Spring harvest. Sow:Jul-Sep. Blooms: Apr-May.