Watch out for early frosts

At this time of year it’s wise to be prepared for early frosts, especially if you’ve got a few last crops growing or new seedlings in the ground… many will be perfectly fine, but some will benefit from a little protection by the way of fleece or cloche.

Plants to harvest before frost:

  • Winter Squash & Pumpkins
  • Beetroot
  • Lettuces (from summer planting)
  • Last sweetcorn cobs
  • Any last courgettes, beans and outdoor tomatoes (!!)
  • Celeriac, Carrot, Turnips and Swede will tolerate light frost but are better harvested before heavy frosts

Plants to protect:

  • Winter lettuces

Young plants that will benefit from a little extra warmth (fleece or cloche)

  • Spinach/chard
  • Kale
  • Turnip
  • Purple Sprouting Broccoli

Mature plants you don’t have to worry about:

  • Parsnip
  • Leek
  • Sprouts
  • Purple Sprouting Broccoli
  • Cabbages
  • Kale