Lucy Hutchings looks at what you can be doing in the vegetable garden now, to get ahead of the game in the spring

How to carry on growing food over winter ...

Parsnips roots will have reached full size by now, so you can begin harvesting them whenever needed. To get them out in one piece, loosen the soil around the roots with a garden fork beforehand, and i

Helping you get your best-ever fruit and veg

Aubergines: Grow in a heated greenhouse using a propagator. The temperature should be at 18-21°C Broad beans: This tasty and popular veg can be sown now if you choose a hardy variety such as ‘Super Aq

While light levels are low, you might be holding off sowing herb seeds until the warmer months are here. But if you’re feeling impatient, why not grow a few microgreens like basil, coriander and parsl