A lot of plants are totally hardy, and would normally be started from seed a little earlier - cauliflower, and other brassicas etc. If you can sow seeds indoors, give a little protection, then you may also benefit from an early crop.
A much earlier sowing would have given leeks for winter harvesting - but you could start planning for next winter crops now, if you outline your 2014 sowing and planting calendar of things you'd love to be growing. Carrots,parsnips, swedes and good winter root veg would be in there too, no doubt.
If you like peas, there are some good hardy pea varieties, as well as broad beans, as someone mentioned.
You could also try some herbs, depending on protection you may have. If you can get friends to share some divisions of their plants, these will already be mature, and will crop earlier than if you grow from seed. Many perennial herbs are better cut down now, and large clumps will be ripe for division. Oregano, Marjoram, mint and many perennial (multi-year living plants) form clumps that are easily divided up.
If you have any spare land, you can start warming up the soil for earlier sowing in spring, than normal. You can use cloches - plastic covered enclosures. These can also be used for growing some veg too.
Good soil preparation is usually right for the best results, so incorporation of any organic matter, such as well rotted compost or animal waste can prove a real bonus for cropping. Better and healthier yields are possible, due to good water retention as well as release of nutrients slowly.
If you can find a second hand cold frame, this would really help, as these should remain warmer than just a cloche.
Final tip is to use garden fleece, which is a thin fabric that you can drape over plants, and it keeps the temperature below a few degrees warmer. You can use this under a cloche or cold frame, and it's breathable as well as allowing light and water to pass through.
Always ask if you'd like more ideas. Good luck! |
