Sowing
Sow where it will grow, in a fine, stone-free bed, once the soil is workable in spring.
Seed is widely advised to be fresh: buy new each year rather than keeping old packets.
Tips
- Be patient: germination can take weeks.
- To avoid gaps, some gardeners pre-germinate seed on damp kitchen paper and move it carefully into the drill as soon as the root shows.
- Mark the row so you do not hoe it out.
Always check the packet for your variety, and see the step-by-step guide for the basics.