Winter growing

In autumn we see a huge amount of the fruits of our labour, but in reality, our gardens are never truly put to bed. Our farm and walled garden are very much in production during the winter, with crops planted in early autumn for wintertime and next spring.

Some crops have been growing throughout summer – such as potatoes, parsnips, carrots, celeriac, beetroot and salsify. Meanwhile, brussels sprouts, calabrese, purple sprouting broccoli, cabbages, kales, cavolo nero, fennel and leeks are ready to harvest in late autumn and winter. Beds of onions, cauliflowers and spring greens were also planted in September to establish them. Having had a good start, these will be kicked into action at the end of the winter. Garlic seems to love a cold start, and we’ll have an abundance come summer.

The secret to overwintering, and winter growing, is to plant early for plants to get established and be strong enough to survive the cold.

The polytunnels at the farm and the greenhouse at the walled garden are also full of goodies for winter. We will be experimenting throughout our first winter in the fabulous new greenhouse, and recording temperatures inside and out. We have high hopes for production with regular care and attention – particularly watering as it is hot in there!

The outside beds are full of earthy goodies and while some are kept in the ground and cropped when required, others are stored in cool and dark places. To be able to store vegetables (and fruit) the crops need to be large and unblemished, then kept according to what they each need. For instance, we cure onions and winter squash to enable the outer part to act as a container – and store them somewhere with airflow. Root vegetables aren’t washed, we just rub the muck off before storing them away from any light. 

All this growing doesn’t happen by chance – it takes careful planning. It is lovely to put our heads to bed after all the work is done, knowing our gardens are never put to bed.