It is amazing just how fast any new ideas literally take root. Following my discovery of grow-your-own salads at Tesco in last week’s column, such a product is now also on display at Marks & Spencer.

Fresh herbs have come in bunches and packets from time immemorial, to be followed by growing pots. M&S, as part of a new range, has now ventured into herb kits in a propagator pot. So far, I have found chives at £1.49.

Staying with salads, in the same branch I have always been intrigued with the descriptions that are thought up to describe the various mixes on offer. M&S has come up with a new definition - a house salad prepared in a bowl at £2.99 for 335g. For those with an enquiring mind, it comprises cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radicchio, radish, lamb’s lettuce and salad onions.

And for something more unusual in the convenience veg range, there are roasted carrots and butternut squash with a lime and chilli dressing at £2.50 on a “two for three” offer at the same store.

It’s also the time of year when summer vegetables start to make their appearance. In Sainsbury’s organic range, Italy is fitting the bill, supplying bunched carrots at £1.79 for 400g.

There are also the first signs that the stonefruit season is coming to an end in the southern hemisphere. There was a time when Spain seemed to have the first flush of fruit, but Egypt has now become an early contender, with loose product and a “ripen in the fruit bowl” punnet of five yellow-flesh peaches. However, the price is somewhat on the high side, at £3.39. But there is an additional message to tempt the consumer. When ripe, the variety - called Florida Prince - has a sweet, aromatic flavour.

Tesco’s fruit shelves also underscore the notion that spring is in the air. Continuing with its choice of the best clementines under its Finest brand, at £3.39 for six fruit, there is a newcomer. This Spanish variety is probably less well known than some of its on-shelf rivals - but is appropriately called Spring Sunshine.

And finally, kiwifruit has had its packaging elevated when it comes to the organic range at Morrisons. In the past, they have been sold loose, in punnets and even nets. Now they are being lined up like soldiers in a fibre tray, and also overwrapped - all for £1.