HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS DINNER
It might seem too far away to think about, but if you want to add homegrown vegetables to your Christmas dinner this year then now is the time to start sowing
One of the best things about Christmas is sitting down with your friends and family and tucking into a delicious Christmas dinner. One simple way to add an even tastier element to your dining experience this festive season is by serving up a Christmas dinner made with your own delicious homegrown vegetables and herbs
Even though it’s almost midsummer, now is the perfect time to plant your carrots, potatoes, beetroot, turnips, and of course, delicious herbs – all of which add wonderful flavour to your festive recipes
So, whether you’re planning to enjoy a mouth-watering turkey or tasty nut roast as your Christmas main, here are the vegetables you can grow yourself to make your seasonal sides the star of your plate
POTATOES
While Brussels sprouts can cause debate around the dinner table, we can at least all agree that no Christmas dinner is complete without deliciously crispy roast potatoes! The only thing better is growing and harvesting them straight from your garden
Late summer is a great time to plant seed potatoes to enjoy them on your Christmas dinner plate. Potatoes planted anytime up to mid-August will be ready to harvest in around 12 weeks, just in time for Christmas dinner. Plant them in large containers and place in a frost-free greenhouse, cool conservatory, or sunny porch. Ensure you water them regularly, and for the best results, use our award-winning peat-free multiple purpose compost
CARROTS
Roasted in the oven or boiled to perfection, carrots are a staple in any Christmas dinner. They’ll go great cooked with honey and fresh herbs.
Carrots can be sown in late summer for a delicious winter crop. They do well when grown in containers, so they’re ideal if you don’t have a dedicated vegetable patch. Carrots need plenty of water, but make sure to plant them in well-drained soil so they don’t become waterlogged. This nutritious vegetable only takes 12-16 weeks to grow, so you can harvest in winter and enjoy them with your Christmas dinner
TURNIPS
To diversify the veg on your dinner table this Christmas, enjoy tasty turnips mashed with your carrots, or on their own to vary the flavour and texture of your trimmings. Turnips are easy to grow and can be sown now, ready to harvest for December
This root veg is ideal for those just beginning their gardening journey because of how simple and quick it is to grow. They’re best when harvested young and are incredibly versatile – even their leaves can be eaten! It’s a worthwhile addition to your vegetable patch or container
Simply sow the turnip seeds in moist but well-drained soil and water well. If planting in a container, make sure you give them enough space in a bright spot
BEETROOT
Add some colour to your Christmas dinner with beetroot! It’s deliciously sweet and colourful, full of vitamins, and easy to grow from seed – and it’s not too late to plant for a winter harvest!
Beetroot can be grown in as little as 7 weeks for baby beets, and 12 weeks for a full-sized root. You can even plant it now and harvest in October before storing for use at Christmas. Beetroots are a cool season crop, which means they grow best in milder conditions, so if you’re sowing beetroot in August, make sure to keep on top of watering to prevent young seedlings being damaged by the summer heat
Due to their compact nature, beetroot can also be grown in large pots, meaning gardeners can grow them on balconies and patios. Just make sure to sow the seeds 10cm apart and cover with a good quality compost
HERBS
There are plenty of herb varieties that can be planted in late summer for a winter harvest. Popular Christmas flavours like sage, rosemary and thyme can be grown either indoors on a sunny windowsill or outside in a greenhouse, cold frame or other covered protection to save them from winter frosts. These hardy herbs are great when used in homemade stuffing or as seasoning for your vegetables, turkey, or nut roast, and can be grown all year-round to give you a constant supply of delicious herbs. Make sure you give them regular water, warmth, and light to grow