Seed Varieties

Several different criteria - ask around on your lotty site to see what people recommend; the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) indicates that the RHS is happy that the variety is pretty reliable around the UK; try new varieties if you want to experiment; if you know that certain diseases are present then look for that resistance; look at height and spacing; consider different varieties which mature at different rates so you reduce the risk of glut.

Other than that, personal preference!

I would go on-line to a supplier like DT Browns, Marshalls Seed, Moles seeds and see what you fancy growing. In my opinion you are better sowing seeds a little later rather than early as you are likely to get better germination and most importantly only sow when the conditions are right. Cold wet weather is usually disastrous. Also have a think about crop protection as some varieties can be attacked by bugs i.e. carrots, brassica crops etc. Again read up or search this site as there is loads of information and guidance available. Some steady reliable crops: -

March / April Sowing
Early potatoes, onion sets, shallots, broad beans, various spring / summer cabbage, carrots, peas, beetroot, parsnips (can be a bit fickle to germinate) etc.

May / June sowing
Runner beans, french beans, Courgettes, swede + some of the above sown in succession.

Then there's salad crops and herbs that can be sown throughout the season.

Garlic varieties like solent wight can be sown now and for at least another month. Onion sets are better sown in March / April when the conditions are good.