This hardy perennial herb is becoming an increasingly popular for a multitude of culinary uses. The young shoots can be cut in spring, and used as a substitute for asparagus. Leave some shoots to develop through summer and by August, the young leaves will make an excellent alternative to spinach.
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
Basil 'Crimson King' is so named for its unusual colour. The half-hardy annual's leaves are unremarkable in shape, for they are traditionally cupped in appearance, but notable for their purple tone. This vibrant alternative to green basil is thus an excellent, ornamental herb while still performing well in terms of function and flavour. Ocimum basilicum grows vigorously, whether sown in a vegetable bed or on a windowsill, making it a practical way to spruce up salads, garnishes and other culinary creations even with limited garden space.