Plant vegetables now for a Summer harvest

🧑‍🌾 Preparing the Soil

November may seem late to start planting edibles and herbs ,but some vegetables grow well and rapidly in warmer temperatures.
Always prepare the soil before planting by adding plenty of organic home-grown compost to the veggies bed, lightly forking it into the soil.

🫘 Beans, Peas and Squash

French and Climbing Beans can be started now, either directly into the ground or in small pots of compost, to be planted out when the first pair of leaves appear.
Peas can be trained over supports, and, if space is available, some Squash, baby Marrows and Pumpkins which can be left to ramble around the vegetable bed or attached to strong supports. Cucumbers are an undemanding crop to grow trained over a support.

🥕 Root Vegetables

Root veggies like Carrots and Parsnips can be planted sparingly in long rows to be harvested as and when needed. Beetroot sown now can be harvested when they are small and sweet or left until fully matured. The leaves of seedlings can be picked and used as a delicious, nutritious addition to salads. Seed Potatoes planted now will taste divine when harvested.

🥦 Other Vegetables to Sow Now

Sweet Peppers, Radishes, Tomatoes, Eggplant , Spring Onions and Kale can all be planted now along with Broccoli, Cabbage and Cauliflower. Lettuce is better planted in dappled shade to avoid bolting and running to seed, it also grows quickly so avoid growing too many at once or you’ll end up with a glut of them! Ideal varieties to choose are Lollo Russo and Lollo biondo, which have leaves you can pick individually when needed. Rocket and Spinach grown now will also prefer some shade from the sun.