What to sow now?

[VDubber]

Hi all,

I've just joined here, and have recently dug out a small 3m x 3m plot in my garden to start growing vegetables on. I plan to divide it into 4 squares, with a 3 crop rotation and one section for permanent crops. Obviously I won't be growing huge amounts in such a small space - but if it works well then there is room for me to expand (I just have to dig up more lawn!)

What can I be starting at this time of year? ...from what I've read so far I can start sowing Spring onions, Japanese onions, radish, turnips, winter lettuce, winter spinach and Garlic over the coming months. One book I read even suggested sowing short rooted carrots during August, and covering with cloches if/when necessary for a Nov/Dec harvest.

Are all these realistic at this time of year, and have I missed anything? I live in the Midlands, the plot is well sheltered and will get the sun most of the day. I read something about winter potatoes, but I've never heard of them...which varieties are suitable?

[JimineyC]

How do V, I don't know too much about all this, but I'd say Garlic you can whack in. I sowed Winter lettuce last year later than this and got good crops. I've had spring onions and carrots in for only a few weeks as well and they're coming up well, as well as some parsnips (hopefully for Xmas dinner)

[Demeter]

You've time for beetroot as well, and maybe a late crop of peas / dwarf beans if you plant a very early variety. Can also do broad beans come October or so for overwintering. Welcome to the vine - and enjoy!

Xmas pots - I think you will struggle to get any "proper" seed potatoes now as everywhere seems to have sold out. however, if you have some sprouting in your kitchen you can plant them and see what happens! Some warn that using uncertified seed increases the risk of blight, and if you are worried about that one option is to grow in buckets or sacks to make sure that if the worst happens at least your soil will not be contaminated.

[TrulyGreen]

You can also sew kale which, will be ready in the autumn and keep going all winter. They can be grown quite close together so good for a small plot. I also put some broccolli in a couple of weeks ago....I hope to get an autumn harvest but a bit of an experiment as it was a little late. I just love perpetual spinach which is quite hardy and the more you cut it the more you get. So easy to grow and tastes great....what's more it's good for you I've just sewn rocket, mixed salad leaves and lettuce. These can all be protected and seem to like it cool....good luck

[Stevo]

Hi you also try Rocket and Misuna very easy to grow.

All the bes.

[Stevo]

Sorry it's spelt Mizuna