Caring for vegetables

Much depends on which varieties are grown, the weather in your locality and the way you care for your plants, but to give you a rough idea of what to do/expect each month here is a summary:

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Peas © Jennifer Hope-Morley

Vegetables January

Seeds to sow: Broad beans, Peas and Spring garlic.

Vegetables to plant: Shallots.

Vegetables to harvest: Brussels sprouts, Jerusalem artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks and Winter spinach.

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Vegetables February

Seeds to sow: Autumn garlic, Beans and Peas.

Vegetables to plant: Shallots.

Vegetables to harvest: Brussels sprouts, Jerusalem artichokes, Kale, Leeks and Winter spinach.

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Vegetables March

Seeds to sow: Brussels sprouts, Chickpeas, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Mustard greens, early Peas, Parsnips, Radishes, Spring garlic, Spring onions, Summer cabbages, Summer Spinach, Okra and Yu choy.

Vegetables to plant: Asparagus, early Potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes and Shallots.

Vegetables to harvest: Jerusalem artichokes, Leeks and Yu choy.

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Vegetables April

Seeds to sow: Beetroot, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Mustard greens, Okra, Salad crops, Summer Spinach, Swiss chard and Winter cabbages.

Vegetables to plant: Artichokes, Brussels sprouts, Onion sets and Summer cabbages.

Vegetables to harvest: Leeks.

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Vegetables May

Seeds to sow: Broad beans, Cauliflower, French beans, Garden peas, Runner beans (plus erect their supports), Salad crops, Salsify, Scorzonera, Summer spinach, Swedes, Sweet corn and Sweet potatoes.

Vegetables to plant: Aubergines, Courgettes, Kale, Leeks, Marrow, Peppers, Pumpkins, Squash and Summer cauliflower.

Vegetables to harvest: Asparagus, Mustard greens and Spring garlic.

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Vegetables June

Seeds to sow: Broad beans, Chicory, French beans, Peas, Salad crops and Winter Spinach.

Vegetables to plant: Celery, Cucumber, Kale, Leeks and Tomatoes.

Vegetables to harvest: Asparagus, Aubergines, Autumn garlic, Chickpeas, Cucumbers, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Okra, Onions, Peppers, Shallots, Summer Spinach, Swiss chard, Spring garlic and Yu choy.

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Beetroot © Ita McCobb

Vegetables July

Seeds to sow: Beetroot, Peas, Radishes, Swedes, Turnips and Winter Spinach.

Vegetables to plant: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Leeks.

Vegetables to harvest: Asparagus, Autumn garlic, Chickpeas, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Okra and Spring garlic.

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Vegetables August

Seeds to sow: Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Lettuce and Spring cabbage.

Vegetables to harvest: Aubergines, Autumn garlic, Celery, Cucumbers, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Runner beans, Okra, Summer Spinach, Sweet corn, Sweet potatoes, Swiss chard and Tomatoes.

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Vegetables September

Seeds to sow: Carrots, Lettuce, Spring cabbage and Yu choy.

Vegetables to plant: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Leeks.

Vegetables to harvest: Aubergines, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chicory, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Runner beans, Sweet potatoes and Tomatoes.

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Vegetables October

Seeds to sow: Spring garlic, Carrots, Lettuce, Spring cabbage.

Vegetables to plant: Spring cabbages, Winter lettuces.

Vegetables to harvest: Beetroot, Cauliflower, Courgettes, Kale, Marrow, Pumpkins and Squash.

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Vegetables November

Seeds to sow: Spring garlic, Broad beans.

Vegetables to harvest: Brussels sprouts, Kale and Parsnips.

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Vegetables December

Vegetables to harvest: Brussels sprouts, Jerusalem artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Parsnips, Swedes, Turnips and Winter spinach.

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References: Ita McCobb; Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press; Royal Horticultural Society; Frederick Warne, The Gardening Year, Reader’s Digest; Suttons seeds; nutraingredients-asia.com; jungleseeds.co.uk; chilternseeds.co.uk; victoriananursery.co.uk; plant-seeds.org.uk; marshalls-seeds.co.uk; homeguides.sfgate.com; Wikipedia.

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