Winter Vegetables
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Despite the wind and plummeting temperatures, there is plenty to do in the garden at this time of year. Plants sown earlier in the season will now be ready for harvesting, such as broccoli ‘Early Purple’, parsnip ‘White Gem’ and kale ‘Dwarf Green Curled’ (links).
Planning Ahead
To ensure a supply of vegetables throughout the winter months, it is useful to plan ahead. After the summer vegetables have finished, begin preparing your soil and buying your seeds for the next crop. From spring to midsummer, sow ‘Autumn King 2′ (link) for carrots which hold well in the ground until needed. Leek adds a subtle flavour to casseroles and takes only sixteen to twenty weeks to mature. It is also an excellent choice for small plots, taking up little room in the bed. Try ‘Musselberg improved’ (link), which can be harvested from late autumn onwards.
In late April or May, plant onion seeds and store the mature bulbs for winter use. ‘Cipolla Tonda Musona’ is an attractive snow-white variety with a mild taste.
For Something Different
For a welcome splash of colour during dark evenings, sow chicory ‘Cicoria Variegata de Castelfranco’ from May-August. Eaten raw the leaves provide a zesty accompaniment to plain lettuce, or they can be added to soups and stews for extra flavour.
Newcomer broccoli ‘Romanesco’ is a show-stopper when served as part of a hearty winter feast. The pyramidal spears are delicious when steamed and tossed in butter, and can be harvested from early November onwards. Sow in spring for a superb winter crop.
Winter Sowing
Since garlic requires a cold spell to develop, plant in November or January to ensure a harvest in mid- to late summer. Pre-order your garlic with garden4less to avoid disappointment, and store in a cool dry place until ready to sow. Divide into individual cloves and plant approximately ten centimetres below soil level. During August the leaves will begin to turn yellow, indicating that the bulbs are ready to harvest.
Broad beans, such as ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ (link) can also be started in late autumn, although they will require some protection against frost. Try our winter frost fleece (link), an economical way to protect delicate plants.
Storage
To prolong your supply, store winter roots in a cool, dry spot after lifting. Discard (or eat!) any that are damaged to avoid spreading rot to healthy specimens. Line an old wooden crate with an inch of dry sand and lay carrots head to tail in rows. Cover with the same amount of sand and repeat until full. Finally, secure the boxes well to prevent mouse intrusion. To enjoy onions and potatoes throughout the winter, ensure that they are protected from frost. Regularly inspect them throughout the winter, removing any that appear green or damp.
