Help for new allotment keeper

palmski

Good evening all. As many on here i am a first time grower this year. I have had my first crops such as Peas, Beetroot, French beans and broc. which i am very proud of.

Now i am stuck i have a few voids and not sure what seeds i can plant in the next few weeks to fill the space and give me a winter crop.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

BOGOF_Queen

How about getting some cabbage or sprout plants in the ground - mine have only been transplanted recently and seem to be growing ok.

jollyanna

Swiss Chard is qick to germinate and will give you a chance to crop before Autumn sets in. I've got "ruby red" and a yellow one. I've read that if left to over-winter, you will then get an early Spring crop as well.
Try sowing swede,parsnip and carrots to have produce underway for winter.

lolarentt

Radish for a very quick harvest, and rocket. Onions to over-winter for next year, and any brassica (borrocole, purple/white sprouting etc) will be fine if you can keep the cabbage whites off!

Lotus-eater

See if you can get hold of some leeks from a fellow allotmenteer, or a shop. Mainstay of winter crops.

valentina

You could try some green manure - doesn't give you a crop but improves the soil -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/soil_growgreenmanure1.shtml

kippers

Winter lettuce, i use 'Artic king' which can stay in the ground over winter ready for spring (though i do pick of some of the leaves to eat in oct/nov).

Perpetual spinach, again ready for the spring.

You may get some spring broccolli and brussells ready for planting out from garden centres.

Over wintering onions

Broad beans for over wintering ('Aquadulce' is a good variety to use)

Radish, lettuce, khol rabi and beetroot can still be sown now