As the days become a little longer and lighter and food is becoming more and more expensive, people are starting to think about what they can do in their gardens.
Although spring and summer may be more fruitful, it is still possible to start growing vegetables as early as February, allowing you the satisfaction of eating delicious, home grown produce for longer.
Broad beans
Broad beans tend to get a bad rap but the delicious bean is easy to grow and versatile, especially if you remove the tough skins before using in recipes. Plant your broad beans in small pots or egg boxes indoors, moving them outside in the spring. Using the right soil is important – try potting soil – and be sure to prevent overcrowding by limiting it to one plant per pot.
Cabbage
Cabbages come in a host of varieties and are a great, hardy vegetable. Taking up to six months to grow, cabbages need a little investment in terms of time and care. Sow your cabbages in pots or trays to begin with before planting into fertile soil. Pests love cabbages and other brassicas, so be sure to cover them with wire mesh and make regular checks for unwanted visitors.
Carrots
A great, versatile vegetable, carrots are a great addition to the vegetable garden. Sow in well-drained, light soil; your carrots have to grow downwards so dense soil could stunt growth. If you are sowing outside, use fleece to keep your carrots warm during the winter and avoid overwatering.
Cucumber
If you are more used to eating cucumbers than growing them, you might be surprised to know that they grow on vines. This means that they take up a surprising amount of space, so factor that in when you are considering what to grow. Cucumbers need warmth, so you will need a heated greenhouse if you want to plant them in February.
Parsnips
Parsnips are another easy to grow root vegetable that tolerate cold weather. However, they prefer to be sown in warm soil with even moisture distribution, so use a cloche or pick a warmer spot to sow them. Parsnips like light, deep soil – sow the seeds about 1 cm deep.
Peas
A family favourite, peas are rich in protein and ready to harvest within two months of planting. You can grow your peas in pots and transplant out in spring, or sow straight into the ground. If sowing outside, protect your delicate plants from predators with wire mesh.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are great for novice gardeners as they are very forgiving. Sow them inside in the warm and move them outside after the last frost.
Growing your own vegetables is very satisfying. If the thought of getting started is too much, consider getting a gardener to get your veg patch going; they will have plenty of experience so will be able to recommend the best seeds for your location, soil quality and experience. For more advice, follow us on Facebook or X.