For those of us facing financial challenges in the UK right now, you’re not alone. At ALS Landscaping Lincoln, we love nothing more than being able to help you transform your dream garden into reality, but we also know that your garden can offer so much more than just an escape. Done right, it can also provide a bounty of nutritious and budget-friendly food.
If you live in the UK and have a garden space, October is a great time to start planting certain vegetables. Read on to discover what you can sow now to benefit both your wallet and your wellbeing.
October Planting Guide for the UK
- Garlic
- Broad beans
- Onion sets
- Winter lettuce
- Spinach
- Spring Cabbage
1. Garlic
If you’re a fan, garlic is one of those ‘staple’ purchases that’s easy enough to get hold of from most supermarkets. But what many of us don’t realise is how easy it is to grow at home. Garlic cloves, when planted in October, get the benefit of the cold winter which helps them split into bulbs by summer.
If you want to find out just how easy it is, the RHS created a planting guide, and if you want to find out about the health benefits of garlic Dr. Gusavo Gonzalez has created ‘The Top 8 Health Benefits of Garlic’ in a recent blog, on spice world.
Think you haven’t got enough space? Think again. We cover this in our blog ‘How can I use raised beds in my garden?’ and as always, if you need help with whether your raised beds will ‘fit’ our 3d Landscape Design service was made for this.
2. Broad Beans
Broad beans are like marmite. You either love them, or you don’t. They’re a hardy bean variety and can be sown in autumn to give you an early harvest the next spring. Growing your own will not only save you money, but also ensure you enjoy the rich, hearty taste of home-grown beans.
Gardeners World created a step by step guide of how to grow and harvest them and provide links of where you can buy them online too. Rumwell Farm Shop & Cafe talk about the ‘Brilliant benefits of broad beans.’
3. Onion Sets
Onions feature in so many recipes and according to Grace Duncan, in an article in the Grocer, when there’s strong demand and poor harvest, the prices soar. Planting onion sets in October ensures a good crop in the summer. They require minimal care and can be stored for months so you never have to be in that scarcity position again.
Catherine Boeckmann, explains how to plant, grow and harvest them in the alamanac. Onions are perfect for planting in raised beds as our customers in Saxilby found out recently.
4. Winter Lettuce
Who knew such a thing existed? Most of us associate lettuce with summer, but there are winter varieties that thrive when planted in October. They’re frost-tolerant and can provide fresh greens throughout the colder months, perfect for those of us who aren’t ‘salad dodgers’.
Read the Sunday Gardener’s article ‘How to Grow Winter Lettuce’ for a step by step guide, and check out the health benefits in this Bord Bia article.
5. Spinach
Think Popeye! This versatile veg can be eaten raw or cooked, and features in more recipes than you imagine. Spinach loves the cooler months. An October sowing can yield a good crop, to ensure you get your dose of iron-rich greens without stretching the purse strings.
Want to know how? Gardeners World has got you. Spinach isn’t called a superfood for nothing. PharmEasy provides 15 reasons why it’s been given that name.
If you’ve already been persuaded that you need to start growing your own, get in touch with us today.
And last, but by no means least…
6. Spring Cabbage
This is a long-term investment as you won’t be harvesting them until next spring, but the wait is worth it. Cabbages planted in October are robust and full of flavour.
To find out how, visit LearnHowToGarden and give this video a watch. And if you need persuading why you should ‘love’ spring greens, check out NourishingInsights 12 reasons.
Benefits of Growing Your Own
Savings: With each harvest, you cut down on grocery bills.
Nutrition: Freshly picked produce is often richer in nutrients.
Wellbeing: Gardening is therapeutic, providing mental and physical health benefits.
Environment: You contribute to a sustainable planet by reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food.
Tips for Beginners
Research: Understand the specific needs of each plant. While we’ve given a brief overview, each plant will have its unique requirements.
Invest in Quality Soil: Good soil is the foundation of a good garden.
Seek Community: Join local gardening clubs or online forums. Experienced gardeners often love sharing their knowledge.
Conclusion
Your garden can be a source of sustenance, savings, and satisfaction. The joy of growing your own food and the subsequent savings can be significant. This October, take a step towards self-sufficiency and plant a seed towards a better, greener future.
Remember, every big tree starts from a small seed. Your garden can be the seed to your financial relief and a healthier lifestyle. Happy planting!
At ALS Landscaping in Lincoln, we love making a difference and doing our bit for the planet, are you ready to do yours?
Get in touch with us today if you’ve got any questions or need any help.
