As the autumn season takes hold, it's tempting for gardeners to start winding down and spending more time cosied up indoors. However, gardener Benedict Vanheems urges that there's still a window of opportunity to plant some seeds for a flourishing vegetable plot – but haste is important! He suggests planting robust spring onions and lettuce, as well as cauliflowers for an early bounty next summer. On the GrowVeg channel, Benedict advises: "Salad onions are a staple in my garden.

There's still time to get in a final sowing of them if you get them in pronto and, if you can offer just a little bit of cold protection." For those without the luxury of a greenhouse, he recommends using cloches or fashioning a makeshift polytunnel with alkathene water pipes and clear plastic sheeting. Before any seed sowing, Benedict emphasises the importance of a weed-free soil, possibly enriched with some organic fertiliser.

He also suggests marking out rows adequately spaced for each seedling's growth. To further shield the young plants from inclement weather and pests, starting them off in trays is another tip offered by the expert, reports the Mirror. Benedict, a gardening expert, has shared some crucial advice for those looking to grow their own vegetables.

He emphasises the importance of using fresh seeds, stating: "Sometimes onions can be a little bit disappointing and fail to germinate properly and that's because the seed, in my experience, really doesn't last long at all." He suggests st.