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Monty Don reveals the four vegetables every gardener should plant right now

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Monty Don has revealed the best vegetables to plant this season as much of the UK prepares for freezing temperatures and snow.

Monty Don has revealed the best vegetables to plant this season, as much of the UK prepares for freezing temperatures and snow.

The BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, 69, shared his top tips for optimal vegetable growth this spring – and the trick is to sow a variety of seeds during the colder months.

writing in his websiteMonty Don picked broad beans, chillies, onions and arugula as some of his favorite vegetables to grow during the colder months of January and February.

He explained: ‘In the garden I dig and, if the soil is dry enough, I plant beans and onions.

‘If the soil is viable (not frozen), I always try to sow some broad beans in February to get an early harvest.

The horticulturist recommended sowing the bean seeds about eight inches apart in double rows, with about a foot or two between the lines and plenty of space, ideally about three feet, between each double row.

Monty also suggested using the Aquadulce or Witkiem varieties for best results.

Meanwhile, the BBC star also advised gardeners to grow onions from sets, which are small bulbs.

Monty Don has revealed the best vegetables to plant this season as much of the UK prepares for freezing temperatures and snow.

He added: “If the soil is dry enough, they can be planted now, about nine inches apart in rows with the tops sticking out of the ground.”

“However, if it is too wet, I suggest planting a batch in plugs in regular peat-free compost and protecting them in a greenhouse or on a cool windowsill where they will establish shoots and roots.”

Monty also told readers to let the bulbs harden off outside for at least a week before planting them when the soil is dry enough.

In addition, the expert also urged gardeners to start sowing arugula and chili seeds during the month of February.

As rocket germinates quickly and grows well in cool conditions, Monty suggested sowing the seeds directly or into plugs that can germinate and be planted when the seedlings grow.

He added: “In both cases, leave plenty of space (six to nine inches) between individual plants.

‘This will help them develop a strong root system which will produce stronger growth and a much larger amount of leaves to harvest. It is best to cut the leaves as needed and as a result they will grow back quickly.’

Chili peppers, on the other hand, need more time to grow, so it’s crucial to start sowing seeds early in the year, Monty added.

The horticulturist urged gardeners to start sowing seeds of arugula, onion, broad bean and chilli during January and February

The horticulturist urged gardeners to start sowing seeds of arugula, onion, broad bean and chilli during January and February

Monty wrote: ‘Sprinkle the seeds lightly in a general purpose compost, either in trays or pots, and place them in a warm place, ideally on a hot mat or in a propagator, as they need at least 20 degrees to germinate.

‘Once they have germinated, give them as much light as possible. A greenhouse helps, but a window sill is sufficient.

He also suggested using a weekly nitrogen fertilizer, such as a homemade nettle fertilizer, to encourage strong, bushy plants, which will be ready for potting or potting in mid-May.

Monty’s final advice comes later Gardeners’ World fans have received the news they have been “dreading” after the horticulturist shared a “sad” update about the show.

At the time, the presenter, 69, revealed that the series finale would air in November 2024, much to the disappointment of viewers.

Monty made the announcement on Instagram, where he shared a photo of himself digging in his garden with his golden retriever Nigel for company.

Her caption read: “The days may be getting shorter, but there’s still plenty to do in Longmeadow.”

“Join us for our final show in the series… at 8pm on BBC Two.”

Fans commented: ‘I’ve been dreading this day. I know you need to rest and have fun, but come back quickly.

“I’m going to rewatch the entire series to get through the winter months.”

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