TRIED, TESTED AND STAYING

With so many tempting varieties to choose from, it can be hard to know which vegetables truly earn their space. Rob Smith shares 10 standout crops he'll be growing again next season – reliable performers packed with flavour, colour and character

- Rob Smith

When it comes to growing our own veg, the choice can feel endless. From seed catalogues bursting with possibilities to shelves lined with heritage varieties, it could take a lifetime to try them all. That's why I always say 'talk to other gardeners'. Ask friends, family, or your allotment neighbours which varieties they swear by. You'll be amazed at what gems you uncover. Some of the best plants in my garden have come from a passing recommendation over a cup of tea. I love trying something new each year, even if it's completely unfamiliar. There's real excitement in sowing a seed you've never grown before and waiting to see how it performs. So, with next year's plans already taking shape, here are 10 vegetables I'll be growing again - tried, tested, and absolutely worth their space in the garden or on the allotment.

SQUASH ‘HONEYBOAT’

If I could only grow one winter squash, 'Honeyboat' would be it. I first tried it years ago because of its nickname, the 'sweet potato squash', and I've been hooked ever since. The flavour is incredible - rich, nutty, and almost identical to sweet potato - but far easier to grow. The texture is beautifully smooth and, when roasted, the skin goes delightfully chewy, just like a baked potato.

Each fruit weighs around a kilo (2lb), perfect for a meal or two, and they keep brilliantly in storage. The stripes fade from dark green to orange as they age, serving as a builtin best before date, helping you eat them in order. Grow them sprawling over the ground or train them up an arch to save space. The fruits are light enough not to break free from the vine. It's a brilliant, reliable crop that delivers flavour long after the summer has passed.

CARROT ‘CARRUBA’