Expert Huw Richards says there is still plenty time left this month to get planting
Gardening expert Huw Richards says there’s still time to plant crops in September(Image: Image: YouTube/HuwRichards)
Gardening jobs in September are plentiful from planting spring bulbs and harvesting late crops to cutting back, collecting seeds and getting the lawn in order. But one expert has shared the 14 crops he sows this month every year.
Huw Richards, who shares his gardening advice on his YouTube channel, said that this month is a great time to get a range of new produce started to ensure a bountiful crop of fruit and vegetables in the upcoming months.
Huw, who has more than 800,000 subscribers on his channel, said: “I thought I’d share with you 14 crops that I sow every single September – it’s not over yet, there’s a lot of things that we can still grow both outside and undercover.”
He then went on to list the crops that can help to feed you and your family including beans and leafy greens as well as salad items, reports The Express.
First up is radishes. He said: “This is the last chance for your summer radishes outside but you can also sow your winter radishes.”
His recommendation is to plant Daikon, a long white Asian radish with a crunchy texture reminiscent of a large white carrot or parsnip. The other option is Spanish black round winter radishes – which not only offer a zesty, peppery bite when served raw in salads, but can also be cooked in stews, stir-fries, and roasts.
Oriental greens, such as pak choi and mizuna, are next on his list. Many of these plants can be used in a “cut and come again” manner, allowing you to pick individual leaves while leaving the plant growing in the soil.
He also advises gardeners to make use of cold frames, polytunnels or garden fleeces to help your veggies thrive when frost bites.
And another tip is to grow ‘cover crops’ like mustards which can help to protect the soil as well as add flavour and warmth to your winter meals.
Next up are beans. Huw said: “Field beans are really hardy at overwintering. Last September we sowed some as a cover crop and they ended up growing to between two and two-and-a-half metres high, and we harvested a huge amount the following May and June.”
Now is a good time to plant kale (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
He explained that you can grow field beans as a full crop, rather than just for cover, adding: “Now is the time to sow them, so take advantage of any openings in your garden.”
Other crops that you might consider planting this month, Huw says, include rocket, spinach, lettuce, peas, kale, cabbage and coriander.
As an experiment, he’s also trying out an oriental vegetable called wa wa cai choi.
If you’ve never heard of them, the tasty greens can help keep your plot going through late summer, autumn, winter and the so-called “hungry gap” between March and May.
At this time there’s a natural lull in homegrown produce in the UK as winter crops have finished, and new spring crops are not yet ready for harvest.
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