Mr Digwell selects four favourite varieties he recommends to the gardener:

French Beans. "A small wigwam of climbing beans will provide enough for a small family right up to the first hard frosts."

Kale. "Sow in February on a windowsill or under glass, harden off and plant under cloches in late March. As the plants grow you can pick small amounts and leave the rest to grow further."

Pak Choi. "This is also called Chinese Cabbage. The season is from October to March and it can be deep-fried, like spinach, while the ribs can be cooked or steamed like asparagus."

Miniature Tomatoes. "Tiny cherry tomatoes designed to be placed on a windowsill. They can be picked all summer."