Wonderful edibles to grow this Spring

What I will be planting in the coming weeks

A salad on my dining table

Growing some of my own food is a source of huge personal pleasure, and I cannot recommend it more highly to you all. It is usually possible to grow something, even if you’re just reliant on some windowsill space, and the resulting crops are usually in another league to anything you’ll find in the supermarkets.

This week, I wanted to share some of my very favourite things to grow this Spring, together with the varieties and suppliers I have liked. I have made a conscious effort to support smaller producers and those selling heritage varieties of seeds.

Homegrown salad leaves are a complete flavour revelation, and will grow easily in a box on a windowsill, in the greenhouse, or outdoors when the weather warms up a little. I like to grow mizen, mibuna, mustard greens, sorrel and tat soi. I have bought all as single varieties from Chiltern Seeds, and I am especially fond of their cut and come again fiery mix.

Green leaves are also extremely useful, specifically spinach and rainbow chard. They are so fresh and flavourful compared to anything I’ve ever bought in a plastic bag from the shops. I’ll be planting this spinach from Eden Project this year.

I’ll be growing some useful vegetables that worked well for me last year from Franchi Seeds. Specifically their borlotti, cavolo nero and chioggia beetroot. All should keep in the veg patch until well into winter, meaning I hope to have a good supply to hand to last for several months.

We have just taken delivery of extra compost to set up our second no dig bed this spring, after last year’s success. I’ve sketched out everything we plan on growing and can’t wait for the weather to get warmer. I’d love to know if you try any of these suggestions - please keep me posted!