It may feel early to think about Christmas, but if you’re dreaming of a festive dinner with homegrown vegetables and herbs, now is the time to get started... September and October are the perfect months to plant the key ingredients for a delicious homegrown Christmas feast!
Here’s 5 things to grow now to ensure to help your festive feast go straight from plot to plate this Christmas!
1. Potatoes: The Star of Christmas Sides
No Christmas dinner is complete without golden, crispy roast potatoes. Plant seed potatoes in containers or raised beds by early September, and they’ll be ready for harvest in December. Keep them in a frost-free spot like a greenhouse or cold frame for the best results.
2. Carrots: A Sweet and Versatile Staple
Carrots are a must for any Christmas table, whether roasted, boiled, or glazed. Sow them now and you’ll have a crop ready to harvest just in time for Christmas. They do well in both containers and raised beds and are easy to grow even if you’re short on space.
3. Turnips: An Underrated Festive Favourite
Turnips add a deliciously distinct flavour to your Christmas dinner. They’re quick to grow and perfect for beginners. Plant them in September or early October, and you’ll have a harvest ready to enjoy alongside your festive roast.
4. Onions: A Flavourful Essential
Onions are a key ingredient in many festive recipes, from stuffing to roasted veg. Plant overwintering onion sets in September for a reliable crop ready by Christmas. They thrive in well-drained soil and are easy to grow in both raised beds and containers.
5. Herbs: Festive Flavour All Winter
Classic Christmas herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme can be planted now to ensure you have fresh, flavourful ingredients all through winter. Whether you’re seasoning your turkey, nut roast, or making homemade stuffing, these hardy herbs are perfect for the job. Grow them in pots, raised beds, or directly in the ground, and protect them from frost with cloches or ground fleece.
Why Raised Beds and Crop Protection Matter
Growing in raised beds offers several advantages during the colder months, including better drainage and warmth. Raised beds also help to prevent soil compaction and improve root growth, giving your plants the best possible start.
To protect your crops from winter frosts and storms, consider using our storm-proof Vegetable Slot & Lock Cages, which provide reliable protection while allowing light and air to circulate. Or consider our 4-in-1 Modular Raised Beds with Vintage Cages for the perfect raised bed and crop protection.
For even more protection, particularly for young or tender plants, using a cloche can make a significant difference. A cloche acts like a mini-greenhouse, trapping heat and moisture around your plants, helping to extend the growing season. It shields your crops from harsh weather conditions, such as frost and strong winds, and creates a more stable environment for your vegetables and herbs to thrive as the temperatures drop.
By combining raised beds with robust crop protection and cloches, you can ensure your winter garden remains productive, giving you a healthy, homegrown harvest just in time for Christmas.
