What can we do with our new plot?

[jojo2910]

We are moving house in July and we are going to turn over part of the lawn to a veg plot. It will be August by the time we get to work on it and I would like some advice, as we have only been able to grow in pots before.

I am thinking we should dig up the lawn then put some manure on it and leave to do its stuff before planting stuff later in the year/next year. My OH thinks we should just dive straight in and plant some winter crops.

What do you think is best and if we can plant anything what should we be planting?

[Mrs Dobby]

I'd suggest concentrating on getting your plot laid out, beds dug and edged (if you are going for a no dig method), paths sorted, compost bins positioned etc. Then dig the ground, turn in a load of manure or compost and cover until spring.

However, Garlic, overwintering onion sets, spring onions, overwintering broad beans and peas could all be sown until late October for cropping next year, but if you really want something instant, then raddish and lettuce would be my first suggestion! Autumn / winter is also the perfect time for transplanting soft fruits such as raspberry and blackberry canes, gooseberry, blackcurrant and redcurrant bushes and fruit trees, so if you are going to plant any of these, then the winter would be ideal! If you've a greenhouse, then you could try some ealry spuds, and see if you can get a crop for xmas!

Good luck!