Growing Autumn Vegetables
Summer may be coming to an end – but fear not! Now is the perfect time to begin to growing Autumn vegetables for the months ahead. Many gardeners might think that the growing season is over. However, September is still a fantastic time to sow hardy vegetables that will thrive through the autumn and winter months. Growing autumn vegetables not only extends your harvest season but also ensures a supply of fresh, organic produce during the colder months, reducing your reliance on imported goods and lowering your food miles.
One of the best vegetables to grow in autumn is kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica). Kale, like our Westland Winter Kale. (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) is incredibly hardy and with the first frosts the flavours improve by converting starches into sugars, giving the leaves a sweeter taste. There are several varieties of kale to choose from, including curly kale, which is particularly popular for its ruffled leaves and versatility in the kitchen. Sow kale seeds directly into the ground in early September, or transplant seedlings started earlier in the season. Space them about 45 cm apart to allow for good air circulation and growth.
You can purchase a wide variety of vegetables directly form our shop – we’re always on hand should you need any advice or support!
Some Growing Options:
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is another excellent choice for autumn planting. Spinach, like our Giant Winter Spinach prefers cooler weather and can be harvested as baby leaves or even allowed to grow to full size. It’s a fast-growing crop, with seeds germinating in as little as five days in warm soil. Sow spinach seeds directly into well-prepared soil, and thin the seedlings to about 15 cm apart. To ensure a continuous harvest, sow seeds every couple of weeks until mid-October.
Winter lettuces, such as Butterhead Marvel Of Four Seasons (Lactuca sativa) are also well-suited for autumn sowing. These varieties are bred to tolerate cold temperatures and will provide fresh leaves well into winter. Sow the seeds in early September. Either in the ground or in containers that can be moved to a sheltered location if necessary. Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage germination. Thin the plants to allow enough space for each lettuce to develop fully. They are not frost hardy but you can cover them in harsh weather with horticultural fleece or a polytunnel.
In addition to these leafy greens, consider planting root vegetables like our Autumn King or Nantes carrots (Daucus carota) and beetroots (Beta vulgaris). Early September is your last chance to sow these crops for overwintering in a polytunnel. For long straight carrots make sure the soil is free of stones to prevent misshapen roots. Carrots and beetroots can be left in the ground until needed, with the cold weather helping to sweeten their flavor.
In Summary:
Growing autumn vegetables offers several advantages beyond just providing fresh produce. The cooler weather means fewer pests, and the slower growth of plants allows for a longer harvest period. Additionally, many autumn vegetables, particularly leafy greens, are packed with nutrients. This makes them a healthy addition to your diet as the days grow shorter.
To maximise your autumn vegetable harvest, ensure your garden beds are well-prepared with compost or organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients.
Keep an eye on the weather, as early frosts can damage tender plants, and consider using cloches or row covers to protect them as temperatures drop.
Thank You For Your Support
By growing your own autumn vegetables, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, home-grown produce well into the winter months, all while reducing your environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
As always if you need any help or support when growing veg – don’t hesitate to get in touch!