Winter planting in raised beds

[cazp]

I am planning on doing some winter plantings my new raised beds (using square foot method) this would include broad beans, and garlic sets (any other suggestions appreciated).

Will I need to cover the soil over winter to protect from winter frosts?

I had planned on using cloches early next year for spring plantings but wondered if there was any benefit to putting these up sooner - any advice appreciated. Many thanks.

[solway cropper]

You should be fine with beans where you are. They don't really work up here and offer no advantage over spring sown ones. Garlic should be OK as well and you could try some winter lettuce, especially if you can give them a bit of cover.

[salome2001]

winter onions

[Snadger]

Thats what I like to hear..........raised beds are for all year growing!

No frost protection required.........in fact frost is a necessary part of growing garlic methinks.

[FionaH]

I have leeks, garlic, strawberries and onions in my raised beds, no cloches required

[cazp]

Many thanks to all for your advice.. will go ahead and plant without cloches for now - fingers crossed for a nice harvest next year!

[northepaul]

You could throw in some over wintering peas too...?

[cptncrackoff]

Hi, i have four raised beds,they are 120cm x 80cm and 20cm tall. For the first time i'm growing 'winter veg'.
One bed has12 leeks, 12 recently planted onions, four cauli and one sprout.
The next bed has five cabbage, 12 onions and a kale
The next one has 3 sprout and 28 leeks, and 6 garlic
The last bed has one kale four psb and 6 leeks

I almost have no room for weeds!
The only problem i'm having with everything being a little crammed in is i seem to be getting more than my fair share of pests, the catterpillars are dead now, i'm left with mealy bugs and whitefly, i must get round to taking some pics!