ideas to follow the garlic

[Jeannine]

I have a very big raised bed that will be empty when the garlic comes out. It is thigh high so no drainage problems through the winter,  any ideas. I have  another one filled with root veggies and I have brassicas on the main plot.

Some thing to srat indoors about now I would think.

XX Jeannine

[Jeannine]

[chriscross1966]

Shelling bean sof some description?... get them going in pots, plant out as and when, carrots in long modules or toilet roll inners, you can even do parsnips like that (though they can be a bit stumpy, if there';sonly one or two of you then each one will be planty ... late spuds?

[Jeannine]

I have just sown a full big long  bed of carrotts and parsnips in the other one and have loads of beans in the third one.

XX Jeannine.

[antipodes]

Well, at this time of year, I would do late beetroot, salads, what about a bit more squash??

[Jeannine]

The bed won't be empty till mid July and I have many various roots, I want something that can stay inn the ground when it gets cold XX Jeannine

[strawberry1]

I think I`ll put advantage spring cabbage in to be followed in spring by fast cabbages and mini caulies. That is working well this year, so will probably repeat on the garlic bed. My plot is not that big so I go intensive, otherwise I would put phacelia to look pretty and to turn over after the frost gets it

crossed post

what about chard? good all through winter

[pigeonseed]

Yes for overwintering, apart from roots, it's probably Swiss chard or purple sprouting? Or other cabbage family.

Do you like Florence fennel? Don't know if it's a bit late, but maybe worth a try.

I know you've already got roots, but what about salsify or scorzonera - they're trouble free and will give you some tasty veg when everything's dead in winter. Shame to waste a deep bed on leaves!  ;D

[Stevens706]

What about overwintering onions?

[antipodes]

Yes I was just thinking chard! Salsify would be nice, my neighbour is growing some, and if he is kind enough, I would like to ask him if I can try a little, I have never prepared it fresh.

[Jeannine]

Salsify and schorzona went into the second high bed just last week with the roots. I think I will chance the overwintering onions actually, it should be mild enough for them and drainage is not a problem on these beds, I really shouldn't follow the garlic wth onions but I think I will.

I have PSB waiting to go in the main plot, just ready to go now but maybe I could do some more a bit late and I do have some leek seedlings..maybe some winter cabbages etc.

The location is perfect for a winter garden actually, no problem with drainage as they are disabled height beds, 3 feet wide bit twenty feet long (about) and situated on a gravel area so quite accesible in the winter.

The only problem is that as our lotties are in a community garden and open to the public, things like a large cauli would probably walk. So far I have not lost anything but that may be too tempting, however I will take a look at my stash and see what can be started now.

Thanks for all the help

XX Jeannine

[gavinjconway]

What about overwintering onions?

Nooo you cant follow garlic with onions.. they are the same root family..

[Jeannine]

I have no onion problems at all and have grown garlic after garlic OK. I know I shouldn't  but may have too...

XX Jeannine

[artichoke]

I am enjoying my sorrel. Of course it is perennial and you might not want this bed taken over by it.

I am very pleased with my various mixed salad leaves and green and red lettuces, and I could lunch on 2 or more lettuces at once, so that is what I would do.

[Jeannine]

I have a big patch of sorrel and I do grow winter salads. XX Jeannine