December may commonly be thought of as a quiet month on the plot, but you can keep your space productive with these brilliant crops
Although there is a lot to be said for curling up in the potting shed with a cup of tea and a bundle of seed catalogues when rain is lashing down outside and the temperatures dip, you can still keep your plot productive this winter. From overwintering crops to speedy microgreens and fragrant year-round herbs, there is plenty to keep gardeners busy. As well as the fantastic feeling of continuing to grow and harvest your own edibles throughout the winter months, it is also important to keep connected with the environment and to continue to reap the brilliant wellbeing rewards of getting your hands dirty!
Chard
This beautiful and versatile veg makes a real focal point in the garden with its deep green leaves and brightly-coloured stems. Regular pickings keep the plant productive, and you can use the leaves when they are small and tender, or once they have grown large and glossy. Don’t throw out the stems, either – these are great fried off, used in pickles or in a vegetable stock.
Kale
These crinkled, deep-green leaves are the perfect winter staple. Hardy, and not needing much in the way of care, a nice deep mulch and the occasional water if we have a dry winter will reward you with armfuls of leaves, perfect for use in stews, roasts, bakes, and even as kale crisps.
Leeks
A great, flavour-packed addition to tarts, tray bakes and pasta dishes to name but a few – if you have space on your plot to grow leeks, it is well worth it. They will happily sit in place ready for harvest any time from early autumn to late winter, while most of the rest of the growing space is being cleared and worked on. Regular weeding and banking up of the soil around the stems will give you the best results.
Garlic
An essential crop in most kitchens and gardens, a ready supply of garlic is always a positive thing. The bulbs need a chilling period, so now is the perfect time for them to be sitting below the soil, getting ready to burst into life in the spring time. Check the variety you have chosen and make sure it is the right type for overwintering, as some cultivars fair better with a spring sowing.
Brussels sprouts
Synonymous with this time of year, these flavour-packed buttons are a sight to behold, with their strange, architectural, alien-like frame. For tips on how to get the best from your sprouts, turn to page 16..
Herbs un
