6 Vegetables To Grow During The Winter For An Early Harvest

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore six vegetables that can be successfully grown during winter for an early harvest in spring. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions for sowing, transplanting, and maintaining these crops based on insights shared by expert gardener Charles Dowding. With this knowledge, you can enjoy fresh produce long before traditional spring sowings.

Step 1: Choose Your Vegetables

Select the following six vegetables suitable for winter growth:

• Coriander (herb)
• Spring onions
• Spinach (Medania variety)
• Spring cabbage (Wheelers Imperial and Duncan F1 varieties)
• Cauliflower (Aalsmeer variety)
• Broad beans (Aquadulce Claudia variety)

Step 2: Planning Your Sowing Dates

Successful winter gardening relies on precise sowing dates. Here are the recommended dates for each vegetable:

• Coriander: Sow in late summer to early autumn, around 20th August.
• Spring Onions:
  • Multisown on 27th August for optimal yield.
  • Another batch can be multisown on 20th August for a larger difference in growth.
• Spinach (Medania): Sow on 10th August. Note the differences between home-saved seeds and commercially bought seeds.
• Spring Cabbage: Sow Wheelers Imperial on 26th August and a few Duncan F1 varieties.
• Cauliflower (Aalsmeer): Sow on 25th August.
• Broad Beans (Aquadulce Claudia): Sow on 20th October and transplant after cabbage.

Step 3: Prepare the Seedbed

Ensure your seedbed is ready for sowing:

• Use quality compost for your sowing modules or direct sowing.
• Consider the location to avoid frost and provide sufficient sunlight.
• Maintain moisture in the seedbed to encourage germination.

Step 4: Sowing and Transplanting

Follow these guidelines for sowing and transplanting your chosen vegetables:

• Sowing:

  • Use a dibber for precise sowing depth.
  • Sow seeds in modules, allowing for easy transplanting later.

• Transplanting:

  • Transplant seedlings 2-4 weeks after sowing.
  • Handle seedlings carefully to avoid damaging roots.

Step 5: Maintenance and Care

Once your vegetables are sown and transplanted, ongoing care is essential:

• Monitor for pests, including moths, and take preventative measures.
• Remove any eaten lower leaves to promote healthy growth.
• Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry spells.

Step 6: Harvesting

Harvest your vegetables at the right time for the best flavor and texture:

• Spring Onions: Harvest when they reach a desirable size.
• Coriander: Pick leaves as needed; it can be harvested multiple times.
• Spinach: Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
• Cabbage and Cauliflower: Harvest heads when firm.
• Broad Beans: Pick pods when they are plump and still tender.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully grow winter vegetables that will bear fruit in early spring. Remember to choose the right sowing dates, prepare your seedbed properly, and provide ongoing care to ensure a bountiful harvest. Happy gardening!