Saving seed (and feeding birds)

Let one or two heads dry on the plant. When the back of the head turns yellow-brown and the seeds plump, cut the whole head, hang in a paper bag in a dry place for 2 weeks, then rub seeds free.

Store viable seed in paper envelopes labelled with variety and year — sunflower seed stays viable for 5–7 years if kept cool and dry.

Hang the spent head outside in winter as a free bird feeder — instant goldfinches, tits and nuthatches. The plant gives twice.