As the air turns crisp and the days shorten, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for the autumn season. Here’s a guide on seven nutritious vegetables you can grow:

1. Cabbage Growing Period: 7-8 weeks. Harvesting Time: Ready for harvest in about eight weeks after planting. Growing Conditions: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist and consider companion planting with dill or beans to enhance growth.

2. Cauliflower Growing Period: 8-10 weeks. Harvesting Time: Ready to harvest in about three months, depending on conditions. Growing Conditions: Prefers cooler temperatures (18-20°C) and consistent moisture. Tip: Start seeds indoors and transplant after 2-3 weeks. Cover the heads with leaves to keep them white and prevent sunscald. Ensure good airflow to avoid fungal diseases.

3. Carrot Growing Period: 10-12 weeks. Harvesting Time: Baby carrots can be harvested in about eight weeks; larger carrots take around 12 weeks. Growing Conditions: Requires well-drained, sandy loam soil. Ideal pH is between 6.0-6.8. Tip: Sow seeds directly and keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Thinning seedlings is crucial for proper growth and root development.

4. Tomato Growing Period: 6-8 weeks (from seed to transplant). Harvesting Time: Ready to harvest in about 2-3 months after transplanting. Growing Conditions: Thrives in warm weather with 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Tip: Start seeds indoors in small pots and ensure they have adequate support as they grow taller. Prune lower leaves to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.

5. Peas Growing Period: 8-10 weeks. Harvesting Time: Ready for harvest in about three months when pods are plump and bright green. Growing Conditions: Prefer cool temperatures and well-drained, fertile soil. Tip: Sow seeds directly and keep the soil moist. Using a trellis can help support the plants and improve airflow, reducing the risk of disease.

6. Lettuce Growing Period: 4-6 weeks. Harvesting Time: Ready for harvest in as little as four weeks. Growing Conditions: Prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade during hot days. Tip: Harvest outer leaves first for continuous growth. Consider succession planting to have a steady supply throughout the season.

7. Spinach Growing Period: 6-8 weeks. Harvesting Time: Ready to harvest in about six weeks. Growing Conditions: Grows best in well-drained, rich soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Tip: Regular harvesting encourages new growth from the centre.

Some bonus tips: Watering: Keep your plants well-hydrated, watering twice a week or as needed. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Pest Control: Monitor for pests and diseases. A mixture of neem oil and soap water can effectively protect your plants. Feeding: Incorporate organic compost, such as banana peels, tea compost, or coffee grounds, to nourish your plants and improve soil health.