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As an organic gardener, it's always a bit disappointing when a crop bolts, but it’s also a natural part of the growing process. This summer, my purple-sprouting broccoli decided to bolt earlier than expected. Instead of dwelling on it, I'm embracing the opportunity to transition my raised beds to a vibrant autumn and winter garden. If you’re looking to keep your garden productive through the colder months, now’s the perfect time to start planting crops that thrive in cooler temperatures.#
Already in the raised bed are Chard, Carrots, Kale and Snowball Cauliflower - they needed a but of a head start and were planted in July.
Preparing for Autumn/Winter Crops
Preparing for Autumn/Winter Crops
Before diving into planting, it’s crucial to clear out any spent crops and weeds from your raised beds. A light tilling or fork aeration can help break up the soil, making it easier for new roots to establish. I always add a layer of well-rotted compost to enrich the soil and provide a nutrient boost for the upcoming crops.
What We’re Planting
What We’re Planting
1. Turnips – Snowball and Purple Top Milan
Turnips are a fantastic autumn crop, offering both edible roots and greens. I'm planting two varieties: Snowball and Purple Top Milan. Snowball turnips are known for their smooth, white flesh and sweet, mild flavour, perfect for roasting or mashing. Purple Top Milan is a traditional favourite, with a slightly stronger taste and beautiful purple shoulders. Both varieties thrive in cooler temperatures and mature in around 50-60 days, making them ideal for a late-season harvest.
Tip: Turnips prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture. To ensure even growth, thin seedlings to about 10 cm apart once they’ve sprouted. You can use the thinnings as microgreens in salads!
2. Spinach – Matador
Spinach is a cold-hardy crop, and Matador is one of the best varieties for autumn planting. This variety produces large, tender leaves that are perfect for salads, soups, and stews. Spinach Matador can handle light frosts, so you’ll be able to harvest fresh greens well into the colder months.
Tip: Sow spinach seeds directly into the soil and keep them well-watered. Spinach benefits from being grown in partial shade, which helps prevent bolting if we have any unexpected warm spells.
3. Pak Choi
Pak Choi is another fantastic crop for autumn, offering a quick turnaround from planting to harvest—usually just 30-45 days. Its crisp stems and tender leaves are versatile in the kitchen, ideal for stir-fries, soups, or salads. Pak Choi prefers cooler weather and shorter daylight hours, making it perfect for this time of year.
Tip: Pak Choi can be prone to pests like flea beetles. Covering your crops with a fine mesh netting or fleece can help protect young plants. Space the seeds about 15-20 cm apart to allow them to grow to their full potential.
4. Calendula for Next Year
While Calendula might not be a vegetable, it's an invaluable companion plant in the garden. I’m sowing Calendula seeds now for next spring. These cheerful flowers are not only beautiful, but also attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, which help with pollination and pest control.
Tip: Calendula seeds can be sown directly into the soil. They’re hardy, so you’ll start seeing the blooms early next year. Calendula also self-seeds, so once established, you’ll likely enjoy these flowers year after year with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Gardening is a continuous learning process, and while not everything goes as planned—like my bolting broccoli—there’s always an opportunity to adjust and prepare for the next season. By planting a mix of turnips, spinach, and Pak Choi, and thinking ahead with Calendula, I’m setting up my raised beds for a productive and beautiful autumn and winter season.
Whether you’re new to gardening or have years of experience, these tips and crops are a great way to keep your garden going through the colder months. Happy planting
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