Sweetcorn should be grown under glass

Sweetcorn should be allowed to germinate under glass before being planted outside in late May.

That is part of the advice given by Sunday Times expert Neil Wormald on how to grow the plant in the UK.

Writing in yesterdays (April 5th) paper, he suggested now is a good time to start growing heavy-cropping varieties such as Swift.

The horticulturalist recommended seeds be placed around half an inch into moist sowing compost in individual three inch pots.

When transplanting to the garden, he advised the seedlings be placed in a sheltered, sunny area to ensure the healthiest produce.

By planting in a rectangular block, spacing the plants 15 to 18 inches apart, the wind will help pollination, Wormald explained.

The government recently launched a drive to get more people growing their own food.

Backed by the Royal Horticultural Society, the We Will If You Will campaign encourages green-fingered gardeners to teach others how to harvest healthy produce.