Vegetables

Think ahead to spring and start improving heavy, claybased soil by digging it roughly so different levels are exposed to winter frosts, winds, rain and sun. Raw manure can be added to break down during winter.

April is the traditional month to sow broad beans. These ultratough vegetables will germinate at very low temperatures. They may make little growth during winter, but will grow strongly in spring to produce better crops.

Some gardeners also sow peas at this time, with favoured varieties being Onward and Greenfeast, as well as heritage pea Amish Snap.

Cabbage and cauliflower plants can be set in soil that has been well manured or generously composted, to stand the winter and mature in spring.

For planting out in spring, sow cabbage and lettuce seeds in glasscovered boxes or cloches. Choose a rich soil and a sunny position.

Another tough vegetable is tatsoi (Brassica narinosa or Brassica rapa var. rosularis). An Asian green with spoonshaped thick, glossy dark green leaves that grow in rosettes and have white stems, it can withstand temperatures down to 9degC. Sow seed in rows 60cm to 90cm apart.

Now is the time to prepare rhubarb for a good crop next spring. Rhubarb is a gross feeder, so heavy manuring or composting is required every year. Remove all dying stems and leaves, pull out weeds and pile manure or compost on the crowns. Blood and bone can be forked through, but do not apply lime.

Asparagus tops should be removed before the berrylike red seeds ripen or the beds will be clogged with seedlings. Cut stems to ground level, remove all weeds and apply seaweedbased fertiliser before leaving the beds clean and tidy for winter.