Growing Your Own Vegetables This Autumn

Do you have your own veg patch? When we moved into our house 18 months ago one of the first things I did was create a little vegetable garden and although I have to admit I don’t have the greenest fingers I enjoyed watching the plants grow. Surprisingly there are vegetables you can consider now even as the light starts to go earlier and earlier.

One of the best ways to grow your own vegetables this autumn is to use a Polytunnel to protect against harsh temperatures and shelters them from wind and rain, overnight frost and winds we often experience in Autumn. If you plant your crops in October when the weather is milder, you’ll have a great source of veg for the colder months. Remember: do not to over water plants in the cooler months as plant growth is slower!

Here’s a quick guide to some of the best vegetables you can grow in Autumn and winter months to keep you and your family healthy and happy.

Winter Lettuce

Lettuce is a surprisingly resilient vegetable which can be grown throughout winter. Sow several different varieties throughout October to give your crops the best chance of survival through the colder weeks. Lettuce grows fairly quickly and individual leaves can be picked when they are around 5-7cm tall.

Sow Broad Beans

Broad beans are a great vegetable to grow in winter, requiring little attention which is perfect when you don’t feel like braving the chilly outside. Protected them from the harshest temperatures with some fleecing. The pods can be picked when they are around 2 inches long and are perfect to have with delicious soups to keep you warm this autumn.

Onions and Shallots

There are plenty of different types of onions and shallots that can be planted throughout October. Smaller onion varieties are much less sensitive to the cooler temperatures. Shallots usually manage to last really well when planted October and make a great addition to many popular winter recipes from soups, to casseroles and pies. You can even try some trendy pickling recipes to preserve and give an extra punch to your crop.

Lambs Lettuce

A great winter vegetable to grow and essential for throwing in salads and to accompany meals, lambs lettuce is easy to grow and doesn’t need much looking after. It can be planted throughout the whole of October with most crops tend to survive the winter months pretty well, although a little fleece covering can be beneficial on especially on colder nights.