FROM PATCH TO PLATE Matthew fort

This is the season of hope, dreams and visions. This is the season of the seed catalogue. The spirit of cheery optimism floods the brain. In my mind’s eye, I see trim lines of frothy lettuces; fine, upstanding broad beans; the leaves of courgettes spreading like green umbrellas with yellow flowers flaming beneath them; feathery carrot tops; glossy beetroot leaves; sturdy turnips and elegant dandyish pea shoots curling this way and that. There’s room for radishes and onions, french beans and