This time of year is a great time to start preparations for sowing courgettes. The courgette, or 'zucchini', is a summer squash which can reach nearly one metre in length to become a giant marrow, but is usually harvested when still immature. They can be light or dark green, with their related hybrid, the golden zucchini, a deep yellow or orange in colour.

With courgette growing, it's always feast or famine. However, the usual results are an absolute feast.

The flowers are a very special delicacy, delicious when eaten raw or cooked.

Courgettes can be sown inside or outside, although are best started off indoors in pots at the end of April or beginning or May. You can also sow them outdoors in the spot where they are to grow in late May or early June...

for full article see next month's Smallholder magazine, on the shelves from 12 April