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Want a head start on the growing season? RHS experts reveal which vegetables to plant now
While vegetable plots often feel on pause in winter, the Royal Horticultural Society says there are still crops you can plant now for an earlier harvest.
'Forlorn vegetable growers gazing sadly at their weather-beaten plots might be forgiven for putting all gardening thoughts on hold until Easter. But take heart, there are some wintery shortcuts that might cheer them up and get crops going early,' says Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturist. 'No one can say if we will have another hot dry summer, but if we do, early crops can do much growing until at least August while the soil remains moist from winter rains.'
Here are five vegetables the RHS recommends you plant now for an earlier, more reliable harvest.
Standard onion sets can be planted as soon as the soil is dry enough in February. Place them just below the surface with the tip just showing. 'Birds can tug them up, but a covering of biodegradable horticultural fleece or insect-proof mesh prevents bird interference and gives the crop a mild boost,' says Guy.
However, Guy advises against using red onion sets or heat treated ones – they're very prone to premature flowering if planted before April.
Seed potatoes are already on sale, and planting preparation can begin now. Place them with the ‘rose’ end facing upwards in egg trays and leave them in a cool, bright (but frost-free) place to chit.
This encourages strong shoots to form, helping plants mature earlier once planted. 'This is ideal for getting early potatoes as soon as possible, but is even worthwhile for maincrop spuds so they mature before blight disease arrives in early autumn,' says Guy.
Jerusalem artichokes can be planted now and are surprisingly productive, though a small patch is usually sufficient for most households.
Chinese artichokes are a less familiar option, producing small, coiled white tubers with a mild, nutty flavour. Both benefit from early planting while the soil still holds winter moisture.
Garlic needs a period of cold after planting to form proper bulbs, making now the ideal time to get it into the ground.
Plant individual cloves as you would onion sets, spacing them evenly and leaving the tips just below the soil surface. Earlier planting generally results in larger, better-formed bulbs at harvest.
Crowns are dormant plants usually a year old, easily held in the palm of your hand. Plant this in your garden in February and you won't be disappointed: Asparagus is one of the few vegetables to crop in April, May and early June, so plant as much as you can.
'The downside is that you should ideally delay cutting until the crowns have been growing for two years after planting,' notes Guy.
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