Winter Planting

[sjk1985]

Hi guys, I want to get some stuff in the ground now for spring/summer harvest and lettuce etc for eating over winter, I have 2 raised beds about 3x3 foot and a small blowaway greenhouse, I did have a walk in one too but after the storm the cover has been destroyed and I will probably wait until Summer to replace. I also have lots of containers I can use. Also I have space inside on a sunny windowsill if stuff would be better started indoors, so just a little help with organising where to plant stuff so it grows best, what not to plant together and what is just a waste to even try right now...

I have:

Garlic and Broad Beans and Sugar Snap Peas which I am pretty sure will be fine going in the raised beds and can be planted now no problem.

I have Onions (Red Baron) and (White Lisbon bunching onions) I was thinking of starting them indoors and then planting out when they are tall green shoots, question is really is it too late to start onions from seed when should they be planted out etc or do I just sow directly?

Radish Winter (China Rose) - Really have NO experience with these and if they are worth growing? I actually ordered Cherry Belle as a salad radish but got send these seeds instead so help with these appreciated.

Spinach (Reddy F1) - Do I start indoors/in blowaway and transplant or are these ok to go straight into the ground/pots?

And Salad leaves (Gourmet Looseleaf Salad Mix and Red Velvet), should I start indoors and then transfer to the blowaway or will they be ok? I don't think they will do well in the raised beds over winter?

Many Thanks in advance

[Mikey]

Anything you are planting now needs to go straight into the ground, IMHO. I wouldn't be starting anything off indoors if its heading outside as it will be battered by the elements.

You've only got another 7-8 weeks before next year starts in earnest anyway.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I shall be starting my onion seeds in December indoors, however I do have a grow light.

If you do not I would wait a while yet as when they get going they grow like mad and need the extra light.

Potty

[Two_Sheds]

I want to get some stuff in the ground now for spring/summer harvest

I don't go up the plot much in winter: it is far too cold for me, muddy & horrible. I take up the compost, but that's it until March.

I've given up trying to grow winter salad on the plot: it just ends up muddy & ragged. I do have winter lettuce etc in my home greenhouse, where I can pick it as and when required.

You're a bit late for sowing on the plot anyway: most things have to be in the ground by August, ideally, because nothing is going to grow in the long dark days of winter: it's not the cold, it's the lack of light that stops growth