How to grow winter veg

My garden looks a bit grim. Bunches of tomatoes are still green with no intention of turning even the palest of reds (must make them into this chutney anyway); the water butt is still overflowing, and all my other edibles – aubergines, courgettes and beans – have had their glory days. I’ve been pulling them up and bundling them into the brown garden waste bin that our council collects. But it seems a shame to give up on the garden just because it’s turned a little chilly. Defiantly, some days, I pull on a jumper and sit out at the picnic table to drink my tea. On a bright autumn morning, it’s as beautiful as any summer’s day. But as the flower beds thin out, I know it's appeal will diminish too. This is the problem with growing plants that provide food. When the growing season is over, it’s a bit of a let down. What now? Is there anything that grows under watery sun and icy blasts of wind?
Let me know what you grow over the winter months. In return, I’ll share some nuggets of wisdom from my research into hardy veggies. So far, I’ve gleaned the following:

Winter radishes
Like their summer cousins (but bigger and slightly hotter), winter radishes can grow all year round. Obviously it only makes sense to bother if you like the peppery punch they pack. I’m only half convinced. Smear them with butter and dip them in salt, as the French do, however, and they’re delicious, but what wouldn’t be?

Winter lettuce and other salad greens
Some varieties, available here can be planted as late as October. Also, try mizuna – I planted far too much of it a month or so ago and I can’t eat it fast enough, especially as it’s turned slightly bitter and has to be diluted with shop-bought (sorry) lettuce. Pak choi will also do very well until November but it’s too late to sow it now – I think.

Spinach and chard
Will carry on nicely during the colder months if you've already got some going. See here for tips.

Leeks
I’ve missed the boat with planting them - you have to get them going earlier in the year. See here

Sprouting broccoli
Great but same problem as before. You have to sow it in April - see here. Shame as I love the stuff and am trying to find out if you can buy ready established plants.

Comments

[Sara]

What about growing herbs in winter? I usually abandon the hassle of vegetables and nurture a load of oregano, mint, rosemary and thyme.

[hedgewizard]

Get your garlic and shallots in for bigger bulbs next year, and in a couple of weeks you could plant overwintering varieties of broad beans and peas for an early harvest next year. Under cover winter saladings will do ok - there are hints on the BBC gardening pages, and I've left you a reply on my own blog. Oh, and if you can get hold of a greenhouse or polytunnel...
http://hedgewizardsdiary.blogspot.com/2006/12/ah-good-rains-come-on.html

[John Gregory Flinn]

Your list is OK, but purple sprouting broccoli overwinters well. If you can find some plants get them in now, or raise them from seed in a greenhouse or similar.

You might find some brassica plants at one of the Pas-de-Calais town (French) markets e.g. Hesdin (on a Thursday). I'm growing Caulis and Brussells from this source which are coming ready very soon.
Leeks and broad beans should also be OK over the winter. Rhubarb is another - in fact that grows in the dark!

I tend to try things that are hardy despite what the packet says, because a lot of plants are more sensitive to light levels than temperature, and vice versa.

[Ben]

Think to the future... plant some bulbs