Dig for victory

Kohlrabi
This sputnik-shaped veg is a fast-maturing brassica that can be eaten whole, leaves and all

Recipe
Nigel Slater's kohlrabi with carrot, corriander and blood orange Photograph: Penny Cottee/Guardian

Quince
An old-fashioned, low-maintenance fruit tree that bears highly scented blossom in spring and glorious, golden fruit in autumn

Recipe
Nigel Slater suggests poaching them in Beaumes-de-Venise (a Muscat wine) and water Photograph: Penny Cottee/Guardian

Scorzonera roots
This spindly oddity is twinned with the equally unusual salsify. It may resemble a bunch of old sticks but it’s a hassle-free root that tastes strikingly similar to artichoke

Recipe
Yotam Ottolenghi's Scorzonera and sprouting broccoli with caper sauce Photograph: Dorling Kindersley

Black radish
A tough winter variety of the fiery summer root, the black radish can be harvested from late autumn. If your plot is well-drained it can stay in the ground well into winter

Recipe
Yotam Ottolenghi's fried aubergine with radish cream Photograph: Robert Levin/Corbis

Mung beans
A home-sprouted version of the bean sprouts you find in the shops, only much fresher, nuttier and better for you

Recipe
Nigel Slater's crystal noodle salad with pickled ginger and lime Photograph: Penny Cottee/Guardian

Summer squash
These unusual fruiting vegetables are a welcome change from the courgette. Their edible flowers are a rare delicacy only the privileged home-grower can enjoy

Recipe
Nigel Slater's late summer vegetable curry Photograph: Rob Melnychuk/Getty

Ornamental gourds
Not a vegetable you're likely to feast on, but fantastically fun to grow

Advice
Dan Pearson's tips on pumpkin and gourd growing Photograph: David Cavagnaro/Getty

Hamburg parsley
With parsnip-flavoured roots and edible parsley-flavoured leaves, this hardy, dual-purpose veg was once grown in every kitchen garden in the country

Parsley facts
Simon Jeffrey's ten fascinating facts Photograph: Dorling Kindersley

Red chicory
Intriguingly bitter, gloriously glossy and a cinch to grow - red chicory (or radicchio) is the perfect leaf for wintery salads

Recipe
Yotam Ottolenghi's bittersweet salad Photograph: J Garcia/Corbis