Planting Ideas
How Late is Too Late?
Colder weather may signify the start of a quieter phase in the garden, but October isn't too late to put in the spadework for a brand new vegetable garden. As temperatures cool, Sven offers his words of wisdom on preparing the ground for a successful harvest in the spring and summer of next year.
Dear Sven,
I am pretty new to gardening and want to start a vegetable patch in my backyard. Am I too late? Is there anything I can plant now for the winter or should I rather wait until the spring?
Thanks,
Angela
Our Gardens Expert replies:
Hi Angela
Most veg only grow when the average daytime temperature is above 6 degrees - usually between spring and autumn. The growing season is also influenced by where you live; spring comes a good deal earlier down south than further up the country. Other factors such as altitude and how exposed your garden is will also effect the growing season.
If you are looking to start a vegetable garden my advice would be to start preparing now for the spring! Vegetables grow best in well-prepared, open ground, in either flat or raised beds - the latter having the advantage that they warm up quicker in the spring, which extends the growing season.
Plants are hungry things, so I would dig the area you want to plant over now and add plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure. Do it now and the freezing winter temperatures will break down the soil improving the structure and making it more manageable while the manure adds the nutrients the plants need to grow well.
Some vegetables will grow during the colder months and a great one to try is garlic. November is a good time to plant it and it will be ready in about 6 months' time. Good varieties for growing in the UK are Solent Wight and Chesnok Wight both available from thegarlicfarm.co.uk.
Broad beans are a reliable old favourite. Although you're more likely to get better results planting them in late winter or early spring, it can be worthwhile trying in November, so why not give it a go? If you do, it may well be prudent to buy some cloches to protect the young plants from severe frost.
The key to a good vegetable garden is planning. Get a good book or veggie garden planner (there are loads on the market) which will tell you what to plant and when. You have to think well in advance to ensure you get the maximum produce for the longest possible period.
Hope that helps!
Sven
I am pretty new to gardening and want to start a vegetable patch in my backyard. Am I too late? Is there anything I can plant now for the winter or should I rather wait until the spring?
Thanks,
Angela
Our Gardens Expert replies:
Hi Angela
Most veg only grow when the average daytime temperature is above 6 degrees - usually between spring and autumn. The growing season is also influenced by where you live; spring comes a good deal earlier down south than further up the country. Other factors such as altitude and how exposed your garden is will also effect the growing season.
If you are looking to start a vegetable garden my advice would be to start preparing now for the spring! Vegetables grow best in well-prepared, open ground, in either flat or raised beds - the latter having the advantage that they warm up quicker in the spring, which extends the growing season.
Plants are hungry things, so I would dig the area you want to plant over now and add plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure. Do it now and the freezing winter temperatures will break down the soil improving the structure and making it more manageable while the manure adds the nutrients the plants need to grow well.
Some vegetables will grow during the colder months and a great one to try is garlic. November is a good time to plant it and it will be ready in about 6 months' time. Good varieties for growing in the UK are Solent Wight and Chesnok Wight both available from thegarlicfarm.co.uk.
Broad beans are a reliable old favourite. Although you're more likely to get better results planting them in late winter or early spring, it can be worthwhile trying in November, so why not give it a go? If you do, it may well be prudent to buy some cloches to protect the young plants from severe frost.
The key to a good vegetable garden is planning. Get a good book or veggie garden planner (there are loads on the market) which will tell you what to plant and when. You have to think well in advance to ensure you get the maximum produce for the longest possible period.
Hope that helps!
Sven
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