How to Grow Winter Vegetables

Book excerpt: It is possible, with the help of this book, to enjoy an abundance of vegetables at the darkest time of year, whether stored or ready for harvesting when needed. It also covers growing for the "hungry gap" from April to early June. Not much grows in winter, but a well-organized plot may nonetheless be quite full. This book helps gardeners plan carefully, and well ahead, sowing and planting at specific times through the year. The main part of the book is an extensive month-by-month sowing, planting, and growing calendar. Further sections cover harvesting--from garlic in July right through to the last of the overwintered greens in May--and storing your produce. Many salads can be grown in winters, especially with a little protection from fleece, cloches, or larger structures. The book includes a whole section on frost-hardy salad plants, explaining how to ensure harvests of fresh leaves throughout winter. The beauty of winter and its produce is captured in glorious photographs from the author's garden.