Your Xmas essentials

Brussels sprouts ‘Trafalgar’ Midseason variety that holds buttons tight for ages ‘Revenge’ Late maturing to spread your bets on timing for your Christmas sprouts

Cabbage ‘January King’ Tightly packed hearts tinged with burgundy after frost ‘Deadon’ Tinges of magenta that intensify in cold weather

Carrots ‘Berlicum 2’ Sturdy stumprooted maincrop lasting well in the ground ‘Parmex’ Bite-sized roots for autumn sowing in greenhouse or containers

Kale ‘Dwarf Green Curled’ Super reliable, productive and extremely hardy

‘Redbor’ Deep purple ruched leaves for a splash of Christmas colour

Leeks ‘Musselburgh’ Bone hardy and reliable with thick, sturdy white shanks ‘Oarsman’ Very straight white shanks and good rust tolerance

Potatoes ‘Carlingford’ Second early so it will mature quickly

Parsnips ‘Albion’ Reliably diseaseresistant with pure white, wedge-shaped roots ‘Gladiator’ Good choice for heavier soils with big, well-flavoured roots

Swede ‘Brora’ Extremely hardy and resistant to mildew ‘Helenor’ Evenly shaped, round roots and good, rich flavour