1. Plant fruit trees. Peaches, pears, persimmons, plums, pomegranates… and apples and apricots too. These all do well in this area. For those with limited space, or with an appetite for novelty, try a ‘four-in-one’ grafted apple or pear. These have four different varieties grafted onto the same tree. If you don’t have a yard, try a dwarf peach… easily grown in a pot or whisky barrel.
2. Plant vegetables in kitchen garden. Asparagus crowns, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, Swiss chard, pod peas (sugar snaps) and lettuce. Also onions, such as the white Texas supersweet called Contessa.
3. Plant winter-hardy herbs. Thyme, oregano, Italian and curled parsley, rosemary, winter and summer savory, garden sage, and chives. Herbs need at least a half a day’s sun in a well-drained location.
