Have you noticed how difficult it is to buy a SMALL cabbage, or how garden-grown cabbages get wasted because they are ready and you are not? Minicole not only overcomes both these problems (it stands ready for cutting for four months) but it can be grown very close together, is used commercially for coleslaw, and is delicious fresh.

Sow outdoors from spring to mid summer in a well prepared seed bed in early spring. Sow thinly 12mm (½in) deep in rows 23cm (9in) apart. If the soil is dry, water well and allow to drain before sowing.

Transplant at the 5-6 leaf stage allowing 25-46cm (10-18in) between plants. The soil should be firm and contain plenty of well rotted compost etc, preferably from a previous crop, it should also be well limed. Just before planting, rake in 3oz/sq yd of a balanced fertiliser.

Hoe occasionally, water if the weather is dry and give liquid feed as the heads start to develop. Harvest in late summer and autumn.