When to plant Fennel in Durham

Sow seeds thinly around 26th April - 24th May on a fine, raked seedbed, then cover with only a light dusting of soil. Keep the soil just moist during germination. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a longer picking period.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them so each plant has room to make a strong root. Keep the best seedlings and remove the rest cleanly to avoid crowding from 10th May to 21st June.

Direct-sown fennel needs no transplanting. Once the seedlings are established, thin them to 30 cm apart in full sun and free-draining soil, and use a cloche or fleece if cold weather returns around 24th May - 10th July.

Keep plants evenly moist from 24th May to 16th October, especially in dry spells, but do not leave the soil soggy. Pinch out the growing tips regularly so the plants stay bushy and are less likely to bolt.

Pick young leaves from 19th July and keep cutting little and often to encourage fresh growth. Leave some plants to flower for seed, then collect ripe heads through 16th October once they turn brown and dry.