How do you grow a winter vegetable garden?
A winter vegetable garden relies on hardy crops that tolerate cold, such as garlic, broad beans, cabbages and leeks, plus some cover for frosty nights. The rest comes down to the soil: mulch empty beds, add well-rotted compost and don't let water sit.
What to grow
Hardy crops carry on through the cold months: autumn-planted garlic, hardy broad beans in mild areas, and cabbages and leeks transplanted in summer or early autumn. Suitable varieties vary from area to area, so always check the seed packet.
Protecting from cold
Tunnels, cloches and fleece keep off frost and wind. Open them on sunny days, or humidity and heat build up underneath.
Winter soil
The RHS recommends an organic mulch at least 5 cm (2 in) thick, laid between late autumn and late winter: it protects against frost, feeds the soil and keeps weeds down. Avoid waterlogging, which rots seeds and bulbs.
In the app
Every plant in the catalogue has its own sowing calendar, and weather alerts for your area help you judge whether to sow now or hold off.
Frequently asked questions
Should I water in winter?
Rarely: only in dry spells, in the warmest part of the day, and after checking the soil.
Can I grow in winter on a balcony?
Yes, with hardy plants in large pots, in a spot sheltered from the wind.