How to grow winter salad

Home
How to
Grow plants
How to grow winter salad

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 16 August 2019 at 11:51 am

Find out how to enjoy winter salads by planting them out in autumn.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAt Its Bestyesyesyes**yesTo Doyes

Save

Plenty of salad crops can grow outside in winter with a little protection - the key is to get them in the ground in early autumn. At this time, the soil is still warm seedlings or plug plants will establish quickly when planted out. You could even sow seeds direct.

Choose hardy varieties of your favourite salad leaves, or experiment with more unusual crops such as winter purslane and salad burnet. One of the most reliable winter leaf crops is corn salad, or lamb's lettuce, Valerianella locusta. Sow them in late summer, in seed trays. You could also sow seeds direct.

Grow plants in a sheltered, sunny spot, to protect them from cold winter winds. Ensure the soil is free-draining, as plants can freeze if left standing in pools of icy water.

You Will Need

Plug plants, We used corn salad, land cress, lettuce, wild rocket and mustard
Hand fork or trowel
Watering can
Cloche

Step 1

Planting out salad plugs

Plant out the seedlings to encourage them to put on growth before winter sets in. Space them at 10cm intervals in rows 20cm apart, and water well. If you don't have seedlings to plant out, you can usually buy plug plants from garden centres and mail order companies.

Step 2

Erecting a cloche

For best results, cover plants with a sturdy cloche. The warmer temperature inside will encourage strong plant growth in autumn, and protect them from the worst of the weather in winter.

Sowing seeds

You can also sow seeds in pots or window boxes - sow every week or so from August to mid-autumn for a continuous supply. Keep the pot near the back door so you can pop out easily to harvest a handful of leaves.

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.