Salad Days

Whether you've got a garden or not, you should seriously think about growing your own salad - not only will you ensure it's not been sprayed with anything nasty, but you can eat it as soon as it's been picked, so it's as fresh as you can get.

If that's not persuasion enough, think about the lack of food miles, and also the fact that you'll be saving yourself a small fortune. I mean, have you seen the price of decent salad? And I don't mean those bags from the supermarket, that have been washed in a chlorine solution to prolong their shelf life.

The best news is it's got to be the easiest thing in the world to grow. All you need is a tray or pot on the windowsill, balcony or patio, or a bright (not too sunny) spot in the garden. Simply sprinkle some seeds (mizuna, rocket, spinach and other 'cut and come again' leaves are the best) onto compost or soil, cover with a fine, even layer of compost on top.

Then all you have to do is keep it moist, and wait for a little while, and before long you'll be able to snip off some baby leaves any time you want a salad. Remember to only harvest the side leaves though - leave the growing tip intact so the plant will continue to produce further growth.