Sow in November

The sowing calendar is quiet but not empty. Sweet peas can still be sown into deep modules under cover. Broad beans (such as Aquadulce Claudia) can be sown direct in mild areas or in pots elsewhere for an early crop. Garlic and overwintering onions go in from now until late November. Most other sowings should wait until late winter.

Don't worry — you can catch up in late winter. Hardy annuals sown in modules in January will establish quickly and overtake any spring-sown equivalents. Sweet peas sown in modules in November or January will still outperform any spring sowing. The autumn-sown advantage is real but not the only route to a good display.

Clear spent crops and weeds, mulch beds with compost or leaf mould, protect tender plants from frost, and clean out greenhouses and cold frames. It's also the right time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and hedging while the soil is still warm and workable. Order seeds for next year while ranges are full.

Microgreens are the standout winter crop — grown on a sunny windowsill, they go from sowing to harvest in seven to fourteen days regardless of the season outside. Mizuna, pea shoots, radish, and broccoli microgreens are all reliable. They're an excellent way to keep growing through the dark months.