Seeds of vegetables that store well for use in winter

You can make your home-grown vegetables last into the winter by also growing crops that store well. Typical storage vegetables are potatoes, squashes, carrots, cabbages, onions, garlic and a few other root vegetables.

Harvesting at the right time and following a few basic storage guidelines are the key to making sure your stored vegetables stay fresh and delicious.

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Here are a few key points to follow:

Storage location: Cool, dark, well-ventilated spaces like cellars or dedicated larders or storerooms are ideal. Avoid storing your vegetables in proximity to heat sources or in widely fluctuating temperatures.
Temperature and humidity: Different kinds of vegetables have different requirements. Cool temperatures and high air humidity are often perfect for root vegetables like carrots and beets. Make sure that the storage conditions match the requirements of the specific vegetables you are storing.
Regular checking: Check your stores regularly for any signs of mould or decay. Remove any affected items immediately to stop the problem spreading and to make sure the rest of your store stays in perfect condition.
Ventilation: Good air circulation is the key to avoiding mould formation. Use open boxes or perforated containers so that air can circulate freely.
Avoid light: Store light-sensitive vegetables like potatoes in complete darkness. This prevents the formation of solanine, a substance that turns potatoes green and makes them poisonous.