Grow something new this year
In our changing climate we can’t take for granted what has worked previously, so it’s time to widen the range of crops we grow to find those best suited, whatever the weather. Experimenting is fun and can improve the biodiversity of your growing area. Tomatillos grow well outside for me (700ft above sea level) when tomatoes don’t. Heritage varieties may offer solutions that many of our modern plants do not. For example, ‘Crystal Lemon’ cucumber is drought-resistant and cold hardy and seems to flourish well left to its own devices. Here are some swaps you might like to try: Romanesco rather than cauliflower Purple-sprouting broccoli rather than broccoli (leave it in the ground for a few years and it will grow on)
Amaranth rather than spinach
Chicory and endive alongside salad leaves