This is a fully comprehensive guide to please even the most thorough grower. Beginning with an overview of the nature of seeds, including how they are pollinated and fertilised, Jekka McVicar draws on her extensive experience of farming herbs, describing when and how to harvest, sort and store each seed. With the foundation laid, the main scope of the book begins: how does one grow specific plants from seeds? With practical growing instructions and planting recipes, the book covers over 500 genera, with many more varieties and cultivars, in practical and extensive detail. The range is enormous: alpines, annuals, aquatic plants, trees, herbs and cacti are just a few of the many categories of plants discussed, with helpful cross-referencing and photography to spur the reader into action.
Jekka McVicar has run her Herb Farm for 22 years. She presented the RHS video on herbs and is on the RHS council. She has been awarded 59 RHS Gold Medals for her herb exhibits at the RHS flower shows. Jekka is also well known for her regular appearances on TV and radio gardening and cookery programmes.