We are delighted to introduce grafted tomato plants and Italian garlic for the first time.  The grafted tomatoes borrow an idea from commercial horticulture whereby excellent modern hybrids are grafted on to an extra vigorous,  root disease-resistant ‘wild’ rootstocks to ensure stronger plants, heavier crops and a longer cropping period.  The three varieties offered as grafted plants are Shirley F1, Supersteak F1 and Piccolo F1.  Each variety is priced at £9.95 for three plants in 9cm pots, but anyone who buys all nine may do so for £19.90 – a saving of £9.95. 

Two new varieties of garlic, Venetian Wight and Tuscany Wight, are perfect for spring planting.  Despite originating in Italy, both have performed well in UK conditions.  Italians are passionate users of garlic and many can tell the variety used in a particular dish.  Venetian Wight is a softneck type which is smaller than some, but has a particularly intense flavour and keeps well.  Tuscany Wight produces large bulbs and is used widely in Umbrian chicken dishes.  Both varieties are priced at £4.95 for two bulbs.