Fennels in Fornham St Martin

Sow seeds thinly around 15th April - 13th June on the surface of fine seed compost, then cover with a light dusting at most. Keep the compost just moist while they germinate, and sow a fresh batch every 21 days if you want 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 28th May to 11th June.

Move seedlings to their final position once the roots have filled the modules, then water in thoroughly straight away. Space them 30 cm apart in full sun and free-draining soil, and use a cloche or fleece if cold weather returns around 13th May - 29th June.

Keep plants evenly moist from 5th June to 30th 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 6th August and keep cutting little and often to encourage more growth. Let some plants flower if you want seed, then collect the ripe heads from 6th August to 30th October once they turn brown and dry.