These baby marrows are easy to grow from seed and those who planted them in April under cover should now have huge seedlings ready to plant out, although if it's too cold, pot them on to a larger pot. It's best to wait until late May or early June to plant out after hardening off.

Give yourself plenty of space, as they are large plants with tropical-looking leaves and exotic yellow flowers. If you haven't much space grow just one in a large pot, keeping it well-watered while the fruits are growing.

Courgettes should be harvested regularly when they are young - don't leave them to grow into marrows or you will shorten the cropping season. If you pick them twice a week in midsummer you will encourage further fruits.

Delicious in pasta dishes, ratatouille or grilled on the barbecue, they are also colourful - you can get yellow varieties including Goldrush' and Burpee's Golden', as well as the more traditional green types.