seasonal tips/december

Things to do in the vegetable garden December/January

• Plant onion sets and garlic if the weather is still mild enough.
• If you want to grow onions from seed, now is the time to plant them as they require a long growing season. Germinate the seeds on a warm window sill for planting out in March.
• You can start forcing rhubarb, seakale and chicory in January. Rhubarb is forced by placing an up-turned bucket/pot over the plant to exclude light. The warmer the environment the quicker it will grow so place manure or straw over the top to encourage juicy, sweet shoots. Seakale is forced the same way, only there is no need for extra warmth.
• Chicory is forced differently. The chicory roots should be lifted from the ground, re-potted in normal compost and then placed in a dark, warm place (10-14°C / 50-57°F) with an upturned pot over them. The sweet chicons will be ready for late winter salads in about 4-6 weeks.