Nasturtiums are often the first plants we remember growing from seed; they are so easy! There is something reassuring about those big crinkled seeds that are guaranteed to push through the soil in record time. And no confusing those rounded leaves for weeds when they emerge above the soil.

Nasturtiums thrive in sunny, poor soils (on rich soil they send up lots of leafy growth but sometimes at the expense of flowers), so don't worry about feeding just enjoy the explosion of colour as their spurred flowers appear.

Choose climbing nasturtiums to grow up fences or canes or let them sprawl to cascade down banks and slopes. Nasturtiums with variegated foliage add an extra hit of colour. Nasturtiums' peppery leaves and flowers are also good to add to salads.