Help a complete beginner...

[alexinho]

Dear all,

I became interested in starting a vegetable garden after a holiday in Turkey earlier this year. My girlfriend and I derived a great deal of pleasure from picking almost all the vegetables that ended up on our plates and swore to continue it on our return to London...

Well, two months later and I've finally got round to getting started!

The only problem is, it seems as though I've almost completely missed the boat in terms of planting.

I'm planning on putting up a three-layer cold frame which I can use to get a few plants going for an early planting. I'm also going to put in a couple of rows of garlic.

Can anyone out there give me a few suggestions in terms of (a) whether there is anything that I could be planting at this late stage of the year and (b) whether there is anything I can be getting on with now (potting etc) in preparation for Spring?

Any help much appreciated!

Alex

[DavidT]

The most important job at this time of year is soil preparation. Which means digging the plot. As for things to plant now, apart from your garlic, you could sow broad bean seed, overwintering onions, spring cabbage and, if you so wish, Asparagus crowns. Welcome to the site, by the way.

[alexinho]

Thanks for your reply David.

You're right about the digging of the plot - I've only just inherited it, and it's going to be a big job weeding it before I get anything in. Soils looks lovely though!

Had been looking at doing some spring cabbage, but thought I had left it too late. Reckon they'll cope being planted this late? Weather hasn't been too bad here in London so far; maybe if I start them off in the cold frame for a bit of protection until they've grown a bit they'll be OK? What about the broad beans - they alright to go straight in you think?

Alex

[alexinho]

Oh and what kind of asparagus is OK for Autumn planting?

[marmite]

Hello and welcome. All the digging and manureing you do now will pay divedends for next year. You could start a compost heap, build a few cold frames to keep you ocupied untill the start of seeding planting. Broard beans a good start now on prepared soil. Good luck regards from Marmite

[DavidT]

Alex you have no chance of growing and planting spring cabbage from seed now. Go to your local garden centre and see if they have any plants left. You can sow broad bean seed straight in the ground, OR sow the seeds in pots, in your cold frame, for planting out in the new year when the weather improves.

[alexinho]

Thanks for your tips! Will let you know how it goes.

Alex

[Eves Plants]

Hi Alex

Theres an old wives tale that boxing day is the exact time to sow onion seeds, sow them in a tray and if you havn't got a propagator you could try starting them off indoors, preferably on a window sill or over a radiator.

Another good tip, is to get a cardboard box, cut the top and 1 side off, line the inside of the other 3 sides with alluminium cooking foil. this will reflect the light and will encourage the plants to grow straight.

Good luck with your growing

[PottyPot]

I've been amazed that my mustard and swiss chard have stood up to -5 this year. I won't be eating it though as the pigeons keep tucking in

[leehydro007]

Originally Posted by PottyPot

I've been amazed that my mustard and swiss chard have stood up to -5 this year. I won't be eating it though as the pigeons keep tucking in

good one...hehehehe....!!!