Climate change may eventually mean we in Britain can sow and grow exotic vegetables outside. It is now possible, at least in more southern areas, to do the latter. Vegetables such as peppers and aubergines — and even the tomato — still need a little assistance by being sown under cover. For those without a greenhouse, a heated propagator should provide the alchemy for germination; failing that, a sunny windowsill will do.

nSweet peppers and chilli peppers both need temperatures of at least 20C and lots of light to do well. They will grow outside in sunny, sheltered spots in mild areas, but their yield is far better when raised under glass — you must wait until October for your first outdoor-grown pepper. The hotter the chilli, the longer the growing season, although ‘Ring of Fire’ is an early variety that should blow the roof off your mouth. ‘Pinocchio’s Nose’ is an excellent variety for making hot sauces; ‘Marconi Rosso’ is a good sweet variety. n Aubergines are very susceptible to frost and appreciate lots of light. In the south of England, you can grow them outside, in a pot or in the ground, in a very warm and sheltered spot, but don’t expect a large harvest. Otherwise, keep them under glass. They like high humidity, so put a bucket of water beside them, or mist regularly.

Get going on the sowing, in a gentle heat of 20C, as they have a long growing season — only plant outside when all danger of frost has passed. ‘Moneymaker’ has good purple skin and a high yield. n Melons need plenty of space. The best varieties to grow in our climate are the cantaloupes, with greyish skin and pale green or orange flesh. They can be grown outside in warm areas, where temperatures average 25C-30C, but are best in an unheated greenhouse or a cold frame. When planting out, warm the soil first with a cloche or fleece, then protect young plants from slugs. Plants can either scrabble across the ground or be trained up shoots, in which case large maturing fruits should be supported in a net to stop them dropping off.

Sow in late April-May and plant out in June on a slight mound, which will help to prevent the plant from rotting. Good varieties are ‘Ogen’, ‘Hales Best Jumbo’ and ‘Sivan’.

n As well as traditional sweet corn, you can also grow “supersweet” (which have more sugar) and coloured varieties that, with their luscious growth, look good planted among your flowers in the border. The supersweet ‘Sweet Nugget’ is delicious, and ‘Red Strawberry’ is excellent for popcorn.

Plant in blocks, rather than lines, as this gives maximum exposure for wind pollination. Don’t plant different varieties near each other, as they will cross-pollinate and be less successful. Earth up the stems (ie, mound the soil around the plant with a rake or hoe) as the plants grow tall to consolidate the roots and prevent wind rock. n Pumpkins and squashes are wonderfully decorative in the late-summer garden. They like a fertile, moist soil — you can even grow them on the compost heap.

Summer squashes can be eaten small, whereas pumpkins and winter squashes store well and are useful vegetables over winter: the sun hardens the skin, which helps them to store well. Like melons, they can be trained up supports or left to grow across the ground.

Sow about a month before the last of the frosts is usually due in the area, if under cover — usually April or May; otherwise, directly into the soil in early summer if you live in a warm spot, after all danger of frost has passed. Protect the young plants with cloches to keep cosy and they will fruit earlier.

Best varieties are ‘Custard White’, a summer squash; ‘Turk’s Turban’, a lovely green- and orange-striped winter squash with pale yellow flesh; and ‘Baby Bear’, a small, sweet pumpkin.

— Seed suppliers: Simpson’s Seeds, 01985 845 004, www.simpsonsseeds.co.uk; Tamar Organics, 01579 371 087, www.tamarorganics.co.uk; the Organic Gardening Catalogue, 0845 130 1304, www.organiccatalogue.com; Seeds of Italy (020 8427 5020, www.seedsofitaly.com); Tuckers Seeds, 01364 652 233, www.tuckers-seeds.co.uk

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