What can I grow in the vegetable garden this autumn?
Autumn does not have to mean the end of the vegetable-growing season.
While summer crops are being harvested, you can sow salads for the cooler months and plant vegetables that will remain in the ground over winter before producing a crop next year.
Always select varieties described as suitable for autumn sowing, as these are better prepared for lower temperatures and shorter days.
1. Winter lettuce and salad leaves
Winter lettuce, rocket and mixed salad leaves can be sown during early autumn.
Sow small amounts at regular intervals rather than planting everything at once. This will help provide a steady supply of fresh leaves.
Choose a sheltered position and protect later sowings with a cloche, cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
2. Spinach
Hardy spinach varieties can be sown in early autumn for young leaves during mild weather and a larger crop in spring.
Sow the seeds thinly in rows and keep the soil moist while they germinate. Thin crowded seedlings to give the remaining plants room to grow.
Spinach prefers fertile soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
3. Radishes
Fast-growing radishes are a useful choice for early autumn.
Sow them directly into prepared soil or containers and harvest the roots while they are still young and crisp.
Growth will slow as temperatures fall, so make your final outdoor sowings before colder weather becomes established.
4. Overwintering onion sets
Autumn-planted onion sets establish roots before winter and continue growing when temperatures begin to rise again.
Plant each set with its pointed tip just showing above the soil. Choose a sunny position with well-drained ground.
Birds sometimes pull newly planted sets from the soil. Protect them with fleece or suitable netting until they have rooted securely.
5. Garlic
Garlic benefits from a period of cold weather and is generally planted from individual cloves during autumn.
Separate the bulb carefully and plant each clove with its pointed end facing upwards. Avoid using ordinary supermarket garlic, as it may not be suitable for growing in the UK.
Garlic requires a sunny position and free-draining soil. Containers can be used where garden soil remains particularly wet during winter.
6. Broad beans
Hardy broad bean varieties can be sown in October or November for an earlier crop the following year.
Autumn sowing works best in well-drained soil and sheltered gardens. In cold, exposed or waterlogged locations, it may be better to wait until spring.
Protect young plants from severe weather and provide support as they grow.
7. Spring cabbage
Young spring cabbage plants raised during summer can be planted out in early autumn.
Plant them firmly and protect the leaves from pigeons with suitable netting.
Allow enough room between each plant for the heads to develop during spring.
Protecting autumn vegetables
As growth slows, crops may benefit from extra protection.
Use cloches, horticultural fleece or a cold frame to shelter young plants from frost, heavy rain and cold winds. Check covered crops regularly and allow ventilation during mild weather.
Continue removing weeds, fallen leaves and damaged foliage, as these can shelter pests and restrict airflow.
What should I do with empty ground?
If you are not planting vegetables immediately, avoid leaving large areas of soil bare throughout winter.
Apply a layer of well-rotted organic matter or sow a suitable green manure. Green manure helps protect the soil, capture nutrients and suppress weeds before being cut down or incorporated ahead of spring planting.
Keep growing through autumn
With the right varieties and a little protection, autumn can be a productive time in the vegetable garden.
Visit Coletta & Tyson Garden Centre in Woodmansey, near Beverley and Hull, to explore our seasonal seeds, onion sets, garlic, compost and grow-your-own essentials.