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How to grow alfalfa seedlings 1. Place about 20ml of sprouts in a jar. 2. Cover the lid with nylon or muslin mesh. 3. Rinse the seed thoroughly several times under running tap water. 4. Leave the jar full of the wet seeds on its side in a warm spot. 5. Rinse daily as above. 6. Once the sprouts are ready, remove them from the jar and wash thoroughly. Remember to consume alfalfa seedlings while still very fresh. When the seedlings are ready, they can be briefly stored in a refrigerator at around 4°C, although longer storage should be at 0°C.

It’s best to practice scrupulous hygiene and cleanliness when cultivating sprouts and to consume them soon after harvesting. The American Food and Drug Administration advises that supermarket sprouts should be cooked before consuming, although this should not be necessary with fresh, home-produced harvests that are washed thoroughly. uk 53 Naomi Schillinger Urban grower Naomi Schillinger shares her tips for compact crops and city gardens Naomi’s projects  n Divide n rhubarb  Care for blueberries Shorter days and cooler temperatures in November can mean less gardening for some but, having said that, I’m still busy on my plot planting bulbs for glorious spring colour and, as well as scooping up leaves for leafmould, I’m starting to mulch wherever possible.

Director Ben Brocklesby said: “It’s important we don’t lose the connection and passion for our outdoor spaces. A lack of enjoyment or interest in maintaining a garden usually comes from people not knowing where to start. ” As a result of the findings, Origin has created a series of ‘how to’ videos with Jack Shilley, who at the age of 19 is already the director of the Young Horts society and a RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold winner. SEED FIRM HELPS BIRDS SOAR The RSPB has benefited from more than £19,000 thanks to a new seed range launched in conjunction with Mr Fothergill’s last autumn.