What can still be grown this year

Organic Centre Assistant Head Gardener Mary O’Connell explains ‘If you want fresh greens during winter and early spring now is the time to start sowing...’

• Spinach can be sown in situ either outside or in a polytunnel
• Orientals and spring cabbage can be sown in modules now and in 4 weeks transplanted in the polytunnel. 
• Scallions can be sown every 2 weeks until October to keep up supply
• Endives and winter lettuces such as Erika can be sown fortnightly until October and transplanted into the polytunnel
• Chard may also be sown in modules and transplanted into the polytunnel
• Chervil and Coriander may be sown from August.   Best to do one large sowing and transplant, then harvest  lightly throughout the winter.
• Salad Rocket can also be sown in one large amount, then used throughout the winter
• Winter Purslane may be sown directly in the polytunnel from September onwards, but needs light for germination so take care to avoid too much soil on top.
• Overwintering garlic may be sown from October onwards

September 2009