James Wong: revolutionising the way we grow veg Tomatillo fruit (ALAMY) Other suggested substitutes include New Zealand spinach, which will supply more than you can eat from June to November, Alpine strawberries - favourites of mine that produce essence of flavour throughout summer - and asparagus peas covered in burgundy flowers which can cost a fortune in the shops. And all of James's ingredients come with delicious recipe ideas, a relief to all of us who grew spaghetti squash and then wondered what on earth to do with it. But did you know you can eat dahlias, fuschias and hostas (D. Am hurst Regina, H. fluctuans and F. m ageanica) - in the form of roots, berries and shoots respectively - as well as fiddlehead ferns, daylily buds and bamboo shoots? Not all his suggestions will raise eyebrows - familiars like cardoons, purslane, sweet potato and sea kale crop up - but other edibles may just not be on your menu. I had my doubts about blue sausage fruits (Decaisnea fargesii) - "bizarre cobalt blue pods stuffed with watermelon-flavoured jelly" and electric daisies (Acmella oleracea) that taste like a jolt of electricity. Revolutionary change doesn't happen overnight. Those with acres to spare could try a few of James's suggestions among their regulars, but where space is at a premium, why not just grow pretty edible gourmet crops: fuchsia berries, micro veg, hostas, nasturtiums and Alpine strawberries. An Alpine strawberry (ALAMY) No garden at all? Well, chillies, micro tomatoes, Thai basil and lemon grass won't look amiss among the houseplants. It is time to look again at our seed shopping lists. Only grow edibles you and your family like to eat. Light is the most important factor when growing crops. Try to face south or reflect light in by painting walls and floors white. Target water where needed once or twice a week in the early morning. Seal in moisture with mulches. Grow in four parts loam, two parts compost to one part horticultural sand. Or dig in 15cm (6in) compost and 8cm (3in) sand, topped up with manure to existing beds. Spray plants with garlic spray (blitz and strain one garlic bulb to a litre of water) to deter slugs and snails. Follow polyculture combination planting techniques to maximise yield, reduce weeds and attract pollinators. Sow successionally and catch crop to avoid gluts. Preserve your harvest by pickling, drying, freezing, jamming and making flavoured liqueurs and vinegars. Don't expect perfection. Just eat, drink and be merry. Pomona Fruits (0845 676 0607; pomonafruits.co.uk) Chiltern Seeds (01229 581137; chilternseeds.co.uk) Edulis (07802 812781; edulis.co.uk) Real Seeds (realseeds.co.uk) Follow James's blog on revolutionary-gardener.co.uk