1. Put a few layers of damp kitchen paper, or 2cm of compost, in a shallow dish.
2. Scatter the seed thickly over the surface. No need to cover it.
3. Mist every day so it never dries out.
4. Snip with scissors when the stems are about 5cm tall.

Ann’s tip: Sow a new dish every few days for a constant supply.

1. Fill a shallow tray with 3cm of seed compost and water it.
2. Scatter seed so it almost covers the surface, then press it in.
3. Cover with a lid for two days until the seeds sprout.
4. Snip at the base when the first leaves open, at 5–8cm tall.

Ann’s tip: Radish microgreens are the fastest and add a peppery kick to sandwiches.

1. Soak dried peas in water overnight.
2. Fill a tray with 3cm of compost and press the peas in, almost touching.
3. Keep the compost moist on a bright windowsill.
4. Cut at 10cm, just above the lowest leaves. They regrow for a second cut.

Ann’s tip: Dried marrowfat peas from the supermarket work perfectly.

1. Fill a pot or trough at least 10cm deep with multi-purpose compost.
2. Scatter seed thinly and cover with 1cm of compost.
3. Keep moist, and shade from hot midday sun in summer.
4. Cut 3cm above the base – the stumps regrow for 3–4 more cuts.

Ann’s tip: Sow a little every two weeks so you never run out.

1. Sow thinly in a pot or row, 1cm deep.
2. Keep it moist – dry soil makes rocket bolt.
3. Pick the outer leaves when 8–10cm long.
4. Sow again every three weeks.

Ann’s tip: Rocket is happiest in cool weather; in summer heat it runs to seed.

1. Sow thinly in pots or rows, 1cm deep.
2. Thin seedlings to about 5cm apart for baby leaves.
3. Cover with a cloche from October to keep picking into winter.
4. Cut young leaves and let the plants regrow.

Ann’s tip: Under a cloche, mizuna keeps cropping well into winter.

1. Sow 2cm deep in pots or rows, 5cm apart.
2. Water well – never let it dry out.
3. Pick leaves when they are 5–8cm long.
4. Sow again every 3–4 weeks in spring and late summer.

Ann’s tip: Skip midsummer sowings – spinach runs to seed in heat and long days.

1. Sow from June to August – earlier sowings bolt.
2. Thin to 10cm apart for baby heads.
3. Keep evenly moist.
4. Cut whole baby heads, or pick the outer leaves.

Ann’s tip: Cover with fine netting to keep flea beetles off the leaves.

1. Sow 2cm deep in pots or rows.
2. Thin to 5cm apart for baby leaves.
3. Pick outer leaves when they are 10cm long.
4. Plants keep cropping for months and often survive the winter.

Ann’s tip: Rainbow chard is pretty enough for a flower border.