The Vegetable Plot - December

"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." Tad Dorgan

We’re fortunate in that we can wander into the supermarket and buy whatever fruit and vegetables we want at this time of the year. But there is so much satisfaction in growing and eating your own if you have the time and space. Even a small plot can be productive and the seasonal menus call for Brussels sprouts and parsnips, leeks and celery, cauliflower and cabbage, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, beetroot and celeriac. Even just one or two home-grown of the essential vegetables of your choice for Christmas dinner will be an enjoyable complement.

If your vegetable growing has been restricted it’s not too late to try growing mushrooms outdoors on a log or indoors in ready-prepared boxes – you can buy kits on the Internet or from the garden centre. You could even try growing Shiitake mushrooms for the exotic touch to add to your stir fries – Dobies do the mushroom plugs and you can order online. Under glass you can grow lettuce, chicory, endive and radishes, and while you’ll need to buy your tomatoes from the shops you’ll still have plenty of your own grown salad to go with leftover turkey or in well-stacked club sandwiches.