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Garden expert Benedict Vanheems says 'you must plant these seeds' within the next eight days (Image: GrowVeg/YouTube)
As the autumn season takes hold, it's tempting for gardeners to start winding down and spending more time cosied up indoors. However, gardener Benedict Vanheems urges that there's still a window of opportunity to plant some seeds for a flourishing vegetable plot – but haste is important!
He suggests planting robust spring onions and lettuce, as well as cauliflowers for an early bounty next summer.
On the GrowVeg channel, Benedict advises: "Salad onions are a staple in my garden. There's still time to get in a final sowing of them if you get them in pronto and, if you can offer just a little bit of cold protection."
For those without the luxury of a greenhouse, he recommends using cloches or fashioning a makeshift polytunnel with alkathene water pipes and clear plastic sheeting. Before any seed sowing, Benedict emphasises the importance of a weed-free soil, possibly enriched with some organic fertiliser.
Brassica oleracea in the sun (Image: Getty Images)
He also suggests marking out rows adequately spaced for each seedling's growth. To further shield the young plants from inclement weather and pests, starting them off in trays is another tip offered by the expert, reports the Mirror.
Benedict, a gardening expert, has shared some crucial advice for those looking to grow their own vegetables. He emphasises the importance of using fresh seeds, stating: "Sometimes onions can be a little bit disappointing and fail to germinate properly and that's because the seed, in my experience, really doesn't last long at all."
He suggests starting with super-fresh seed to ensure good germination rates.
Lettuce Seeds Spilled from a Seed Packet (Image: Getty Images)
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Despite it being an unusual time to consider lettuce, Benedict points out that there are several varieties suitable for sowing now, including winter gem, arctic king or winter density. However, he advises checking the instructions on the seed packet before proceeding.
Cauliflower is another vegetable that can be planted during this season. According to Benedict, autumn-sown cauliflowers provide an opportunity for an extra early crop next summer.
They have the advantage of maturing before the full heat of summer and peak pest season.
Even the hardiest of cauliflower varieties would require a cold frame to start, according to Benedict. He further suggests that if temperatures are already on the decline in your area, it would be wise to germinate them indoors and then transfer them outside once they've started to establish themselves.
English (US) ·