SOW

> Spinach is an ideal, super-healthy winter crop and can be grown in cold and warm regions. Sow seed direct into the garden or into punnets if it’s chilly in your area. Plants will produce leaves for several weeks; harvest them individually if you prefer. Spinach contains lots of vitamin A and K plus folate, iron, manganese and magnesium. Protect young seedlings from frost if need be.

> Collards are a little-grown winter crop. From the same family as cabbage and broccoli, collards are large, dark green, leafy plants similar to kale, grown widely in South America and parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. They’re said to have an anti-inflammatory effect, help lower cholesterol and support digestive systems, making them ideal for those with irritable bowel, Crohn’s disease or cardiovascular problems. Sow seed direct into the garden or seed trays and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Avoid sowing where you’ve recently grown another brassica.

> If you like kale try sowing cavolo nero this autumn; it’s worth it for the beauty of its leaves and its nutritional benefits. Best in rich soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost, all kales need a sunny spot sheltered from cold winds. They can turn bitter in hot weather so in warmer northern areas plant in autumn when temperatures are cooler. Cover seed with 15mm of soil and keep mixture moist. Leaves are sweeter if plants receive plenty of moisture. Plant out when seedlings have 6 or more leaves.