Page 50 - ESPC_Aug24

INTERIORS INSIDER
INTERIORS INSIDER
Carrots Beetroot
A staple on Christmas dinner plates, carrots Packed full of vitamins, beetroot is a wonderful
can be sown in late summer for a delicious addition to your Christmas dinner and Nigel
winter crop. Nigel says: “Carrots do well notes that it’s not too late to plant this for a winter
when grown in containers, so they’re ideal if harvest. He says: “Beetroot can be grown in as
you don’t have a dedicated vegetable patch. little as seven weeks for baby beets and 12 weeks
Carrots need plenty of water but you should for a full-sized root, meaning you can plant now
make sure you plant them in well-drained and harvest in October before storing for use
soil so they don’t become waterlogged. This at Christmas. Beetroots are a cool season crop,
nutritious vegetable typically only takes meaning they grow best in milder conditions, so
12-16 weeks to grow, so you can harvest in if you’re sowing beetroot in August, make sure
winter and enjoy them with your Christmas to keep on top of watering to prevent young
dinner – perfect when roasted with honey seedlings being damaged by the summer heat.
and fresh herbs.”
“Due to their compact nature, beetroot can also
Turnips be grown in large pots, meaning gardeners can
A wonderful choice to diversify the veg on grow them on balconies and patios. Just make
your dinner table this Christmas, turnip is sure to sow the seeds 10cm apart and cover
Grow your own enjoyed in December. Nigel says this root Herbs
with a good quality compost.”
easy to grow and can be sown now and
vegetable is ideal for those just beginning
their gardening journey as its simple to grow.
When it comes to festive herbs, there are plenty
“This easy, fast-growing vegetable can be
varieties that can be planted in late summer for
sown in August from seed and will be ready
to harvest in autumn. Best when harvested a winter harvest. Nigel says: “Popular Christmas
varieties such as sage, rosemary and thyme
Christmas dinner young, turnips are incredibly versatile and can be grown either indoors on a windowsill or
their leaves can also be eaten and added to outside in a greenhouse, cold frame or other
winter dishes, making it a worthwhile addition covered protection to save them from any
With more gardeners than ever growing their own fresh produce, Dobbies, to your vegetable patch or container. winter frosts. These hardy herbs are great when
the UK’s leading garden centre, says 2024 is the perfect year to grow the used in Christmas stuffing or as seasoning for
ultimate dish: Christmas dinner. “Simply sow the turnip seeds in moist but your vegetables, and can be grown year-round
well-drained soil and water well. If planting so you have a constant supply of delicious
in a container, make sure you give them herbs – just make sure you give them regular
enough space and place in a bright spot.” water, warmth and light to grow.”
t might still be summer but Dobbies’ Potatoes
Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton says now Roast potatoes are a must-have for the For more seasonal gardening advice and inspiration visit dobbies.com
Iis when you should be planting your festive season and late summer is a great
carrots, potatoes, beetroot and turnips, time to plant to enjoy on your Christmas
and of course, herbs to add wonderful dinner plate. Nigel says: “If you’re looking to
flavour to festive recipes. enjoy homegrown produce over the festive
period, potatoes planted in August will be
So whether you’re planning to enjoy ready to harvest in around 12 weeks, just in
a mouth-watering turkey or tasty nut time for Christmas dinner. Plant them in
roast as your Christmas main, here are large containers and place in a frost-free
the vegetables you can grow yourself greenhouse, cool conservatory or bright
to make your seasonal sides the star of porch. Ensure you water regularly, and for
your plate. the best results, plant using Dobbies’ award-
winning peat-free multipurpose compost.”

50 | espc.com espc.com | 51