One of the real joys of gardening is growing your own flowers or vegetables from seeds or cuttings. Like so many things in life, if we give something the best start, it will flourish and give you back many times over when it matures. Whilst it is entirely possible just to 'plough and scatter', the methods honed from times gone by will serve you well. Planting in straight lines makes it easier to weed; preparing your ground before planting gives a better crop; planting the right distance apart is crucial; using purpose-made tools when harvesting reduces damage, and is quicker.