Winter crops

[andrewo]

I have a small cold frame and four raised beds, would be interested what I could grow over the winter period that is not brussel sprouts or cabbage.

What can I do to extend the growing season?

Andrewo

[Geordie]

2 aspects to this post, first, what to grow over the winter period.

December may be a little late at your location for planting these in open ground, some you can try pots, others should really be October / November. Some will require a type of protection, be that cloches, poythene, fleece etc. Bear in mind to sow more than you need as you will suffer losses
Broad beans - need to sow a hardy variety such as Aquadulce Claudia or Reina Blanca etc.
Garlic - This is an October / November crop depending a little on your soil type
Fruit - make & plant cuttings of gooseberry, blacurrant, redcurrant etc (see seperate post in Top Tips
Winter salads - best to try specific winter variety if you can protect, (cold frame or greenhouse) eg Kellys winter lettuce, or try mizuna or endive
Peas - sow a hardy variety in soil with protection or in pots under cover
Onions - can get a winter hardy spring onion. Growing large or prize onions is traditionally started on Boxing day. You can also sow a few leeks to get ahead of the game. You can alos plant the winter hardy Japenese onions (red & white)
Broccoli, Cauliflower & Leeks will stand over winter
Carrot - can be overwintered, again if protection given.
Potatos can be grown that will be ready for Christmas day.


To extend the growing season what you need to extend are the elements, mostly temperature and light. There is not much you can do to extend daylight but temperature can be anything from heating a greenhouse to providing a polythene cover to a row of peas. In my experience winter growing (outside) is a little hit and miss. You can spend a lot of time and effort to produce very little reward, or you may produce crops that are ready a few weeks before main crops are ready. Experiment, take a chance, if it works great, if not....welcome to gardening!