A reliable performer in British summers, Sweetcorn Northern Extra Sweet is especially suited to cooler northern districts. One of the earliest maturing of the 'supersweets', Sweetcorn Northern Extra Sweet produces good quality, well filled cobs up to 20cm (8in) long. Sturdy plants but growing only to 150 to 180cm (5 to 6 feet) tall
Robust green foliage is enhanced by tall erect pinky-beige spikelets in late summer to autumn, gracefully moving in the slightest of breezes. Height: 180cm (6ft)
Ideal for early sowings in frames and for successional sowing outside, Kahira is a flatter-rooted beet with smooth skin and a deep red, tender and flavoursome flesh. Roots grow mainly above the surface of the soil in a well-drained and sunny position and once harvested, will store well for use through the winter monthsBeet can be stored by lifting the roots from later sowings, twist off the tops and store in boxes of slightly damp sand in frost-free conditionsHelp to retain bio diversity by growing these traditional varieties with the taste and garden performance well regarded by previous generations
Compact habit with few waste outer leaves. Firm, conical pale green, tender and flavoursome hearts which stand well through the summer. Can be planted closely so ideal for the smaller garden. Ideal for using raw in salads and coleslaw. Help to retain bio diversity by growing these traditional varieties with the taste and garden performance well regarded by previous generations
Medium to large hearted, bright green leaved, crisp 'Iceberg' hearts which stand well without bolting during the hotter summer weather. Cut hearts store well in the refrigerator. Ideal for spring or summer sowing
Radish 'Poloneza' produces attractive round, red-skinned roots with a white splash at the root end, similar to Radish 'Sparkler'. The mild, crisp, white or pink tinged flesh is free from pithiness and makes an attractive addition to radish salads. This quick growing summer radish resists bolting and is suitable for earlier sowings under glass as well as outdoors. Height: 15cm (6). Spread: 10cm (4).
Now you can grow delicious ripe melons outdoors in the UK! Melon 'Orange Sherbert' produces netted skinned 'charentais typefruits that are more oval shaped than round. Each orange fleshed fruit weighs about 500g (1lb) on compact, semi trailing vines that can be harvested from midsummer. Height and spread: 2m (6', 6). Melons require high temperatures and humidity. In all but the very warmest areas cultivation is most successful in a greenhouse, or under cover of a cold frame or cloche when growing melons in the UK
This highly decorative French Bean makes a fabulous talking point in the vegetable garden, or even in your flower borders. Climbing Bean 'Selma Zebra' is a T&M reintroduction from 30 years ago, and still as eye catching as ever. The unusual marbled pods are particularly early to mature in July and continue to set pods throughout the summer. These tasty beans turn green when cooked. Height: 180cm (70). Spread: 30cm (12)
Well known and reliable variety for over 100 years. Compact habit, producing firm, well-flavoured, pointed, tender hearts. Use also for spring greens when sown or planted more closely. Suitable also for spring sowing for summer and autumn cuttingHelp to retain bio diversity by growing these traditional varieties with the taste and garden performance well regarded by previous generations
A reliable, red flowered, heirloom favourite producing a high yield of long pods of superb flavour which snap readily when young and tender. Runner Bean 'Crusader' must be picked regularly for optimum yields. Runner beans are a good source of Vitamin C, folate and iron, and have a high fibre content. Also suitable for freezing. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 30cm (12).