Buying Plant seeds, tool, shed online or from shops - South East London

[Metaphor]

What are the best vegetables or fruits to cultivate in the winter months, specifically February, March, and April? Additionally, where can I find reasonably priced, high-quality seeds, plants, and second-hand tools, as well as a small shed, preferably measuring 4 x 6 ft?

I take it you’ve not done much gardening before? Give us a bit of background - why are you starting, what do you hope to achieve?

Everything is available online but I would suggest a few trips to local garden centres first to see what’s what.

Don't buy from gardening express, whatever you do

Guessing a new allotment?

I'd go on Facebook Marketplace or gumtree (or other local selling sites) to source tools and shed.

Seeds, I use Chiltern Seeds, Simply Seed, Real Seeds. Or I sometimes buy veg plug plants from places like Roots Plants (iirc?) or Rocket Gardens. If you have a local nursery they will sell veg plugs quite cheaply.

Winter crops: kale, chard, hardy salads, brassicas. If you have cloches or a polytunnel you could grow lettuce over winter. Struggling to think of any fruit to crop at that time other than rhubarb (not really a fruit but you know what I mean) - easy to grow and prolific though!

I haven't grown peas but I think you can start those off quite early? I'm sure some allotmenteers with way more knowledge will be along with a list soon 🙂

Seeds: Chiltern and Real seeds.

Here are some YouTube channels who will answer all your questions OP:

Emma's Allotment Diaries - https://youtube.com/@emmasallotmentdiaries?si=6r3CIxStApLyYMa0

Epic Gardening (US based but still great) - https://youtube.com/@epicgardening?si=st6kZAZs78E9_o9P

And the absolute best for tips & strategies, is GrowVeg - https://youtube.com/@GrowVeg?si=hbFOaYmQEFAGRUoC

Thank you all for the information and really helpful. Regards

Ask around for 2nd hand tools. Try freegle and freecycle or ask other gardeners.
If buying new, ask other gardeners for recommendations and if you could try theirs. You really need to feel what it's like to hold and use the tools. If the feel is wrong or I don't like using it, I'd be happy to give it to someone who'll use it.

Chiltern Seeds are fine. Don't buy seeds from B&Q (not dissing them, they're good for some things) as they tend to be expensive. I'll miss my local Wilko this year.

Winter crops: kale, chard, hardy salads, brassicas. Yes to these. Crops won't be generous but they'll be welcome.

Garden Organic | What to sow and plant in February

You're in south London so probably have less risk of frost than most of the UK.

If you are new to gardening you'll probably want to try growing many things.
I've been gardening a while and now tend to grow what I eat a lot of especially if it's expensive in the supermarket - salads, beans, courgettes, the winter plants.

If space is limited grow things that grow upwards on supports - beans, squashes, tomatoes etc

Plan your plot before you start and label everything.

Thank you everyone for the informative responses. I will certainly try to implement your advice. Best regards to all

Supermarkets and places like B&M and Home Bargains sell seeds cheaply, and gardening tools as well. B&M sell sheds too. Alternatively look at local stuff on ebay.