OK I know it's a bit late

I agree it should be left in December......... Who started this madness 

And some teachers are already looking forward to it!   

Sadly so. I do wonder sometimes if this country's educating philosophy really understand anything about the natural rhythms of the year. Maybe they do, and maybe they don't like it. I don't know.

Some independent schools, including the likes of Steiner, spend much time and energy celebrating several Autumn festivals, from the equinox right through to the fire/lantern festivals, that run through most of the world. Winter solstice festivals, at these schools, don't get talked about, until .... well, the Winter solstice.

What varieties would you plant now then in hope of getting nice pots for a say mid winter family gathering??   Do you put straight in plots or in pots??

Our ASDA has an isle with the stuff in that people use at that time of year.

That's not overly helpful, Bob.

Firstly, it takes time to grow stuff so what is in the aisles at the moment (e.g. sweetcorn) is not necessarily suitable for starting from seed now.

Secondly, you presume that the stuff in the aisles at the moment was grown in the UK anyway.

I've got Maris Peer pots from a local discount place in Cornwall

Update They are growing well 

Obviously been missing an opportunity.  Will turn out the potato growing sacks and plant some up tomorrow.  Just outside as normal or should I provide some sort of protection once the frosts come?  Still learning...