What to plant in February

TOMATOES This fruit has a lot to offer, folate, vitamin C - a medium sized one can contain up to 27% of your RDA! and being a very diverse ingredient, what a good place to start. They won't survive outside right now but those carotenoid containing beauties preferring warmer climates doesn't need to stop you, why not share that heat from the radiator with a few seeds this month so you can get an early crop in? KALE You can start this superfood off now under a frost blanket, cloche, greenhouse, spare bit of glass or with the other windowsill favourites. Another caratenoid containing, folate giving wonder, kale can not only help your body flush out dangerous toxins it contains A, B, C, K vitamins, manganese. It doesn't have to be boring either, check the recipe page for tips. BASIL Basil doesn't just taste nice on your pizza, it has antioxidants, calcium and lutein to help you see! You can grow this all year round in a greenhouse or on the kitchen side for a cut and come again herb garden. Check the gardening page for tips coming soon!

SWEET PEAS Honey bees love sweet peas, well, so do most pollinators, rich in nectar, you can't eat them but they can! Create a beautiful backdrop for your garden and improve yield by attracting a fleet of your gardens favourite friends.

CHILLIES Ah chillies. My favourite. Just a little addition can improve your vitamin a and c levels. Did you know the capsicum in chillies reduces inflammation? You can use them to help stave off cold symptoms, mixed with some local honey and homegrown ginger. Dry them out, use them fresh. They protect against heart disease and they can even stimulate weight loss! But if you're a sensitive soul, don't overdo it or you might get a tummy-ache. Start some off early indoors or a heated greenhouse and you'll have a supply all year round. AUBERGINES

Did you know aubergines contain up to 5% of your recommended daily fibre with a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants on top? I find these interesting plants great for vegetarian and vegan meat replacements. All that goodness however takes a while to grow, so start them off as early as you can in a warm place. I recommend using a frost blanket in any unheated greenhouse.

LILIES

Plant your lily bulbs now for a beautiful bloom and sweet smell that both you and the polinators can enjoy.