Finish digging and manuring the empty beds, leaving soil rough for the birds to get at insect pests and the frosts to break down the soil. Prepare seedbeds for spring sowing. Collect any debris and put on the compost heap; or burn it if infected with disease or infested with pests.

In mild gardens, a first crop of broad beans can be started in pots in an unheated greenhouse in early winter, ready for planting out in mid-winter. Cauliflowers and radishes may also be sown in south facing positions using cloches for protection.

In mid-winter, sow seeds of broad beans, French beans, beetroot, carrots, aubergines, leeks, onions, peas, radishes and tomatoes under cover. Potatoes can be placed in trays to sprout in a frost-free shed or garage; keep an eye on them over the winter, and discard any that do not remain healthy.

By late winter, shallots, winter lettuce and early potatoes may be planted out, and vegetables such as cauliflowers and radishes that have been grown under a cloche may be hardened off. Seeds of aubergines, broad beans, French beans, beetroot, brussels sprouts, cauliflowers, celery, leeks, peas, radishes, tomatoes, turnips, marrows, peppers, and potatoes for forcing can be sown.