Lamb's Lettuce grows outdoors in winter

There are a surprising number of vegetables that will grow outdoors in an English winter, contrary to the impression you might get by a visit to your local allotment. The secret is to choose s suitable cultivar, sow at the right time and not to be disheartened by the occasional losses. Things to try include many brassicas (for those that like them), peas, broad beans, spinach, chard and various salads (lettuce, chicory, endive - some varieties of these do need covering with plastic cloches). Globe artichokes and asparagus overwinter and produce in April and May (the hungry gap). But you cannot fail with Lamb's Lettuce! Sow in September in large pots or small beds in the open and by March you will be enjoying this tasty salad.