Fennels in Tilehurst

Sow seeds thinly around 27th April - 25th 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 9th June to 23rd 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 25th May - 11th July.

Keep plants evenly moist from 17th June to 2nd 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 18th 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 18th August to 2nd October once they turn brown and dry.