Sow now and keep picking fresh greens through the cold months. Here's what to plant in autumn.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
Growing does not have to stop in autumn. With the right hardy crops in now, you will keep picking fresh leaves and tender vegetables right through winter, while the soil stays working and the kitchen stays interesting.
Pick varieties bred for cold — winter salad leaves, hardy greens like mizuna and pak choi, and overwintering broad beans and onions for an early spring harvest. These tough crops shrug off frost and give a steady supply when the borders rest.
Sow into warm, moist, well-prepared soil in a sheltered, sunny spot. If you are pushing the season, cover freshly sown crops with a cloche, tunnel or fleece to keep the worst of the cold and wet off and germination steady.
Keep the seedlings damp but not soaked, keep them free of slugs and let them build a sturdy root before winter arrives. Once settled, the hardiest winter crops need very little and will sit happily through the cold.
Sow several smaller blocks rather than one big area, so you can pick fresh leaves steadily through winter. With the simplest protection, you will be enjoying homegrown greens even in the depths of the season.
From seasonal garden care to a full growing-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
