Hi Shell. It's helpful to know you had similar problems with your carrots. I did three different sowings and they did grow but the carrots are very small and misshapen. I didn't grow any beets this year because I still had 3 jars that Jane pickled last year but I will be sowing some next year.
I struggle to know what to do with courgettes particularly when they grow into marrows - you only have to miss a picking and suddenly they're enormous. I've tried sauteing them after covering them in seasoned flour and also baking them. I think I prefer the baked ones.
The mornings are getting darker and last night I put the lights on in the house shortly after the end of the Archers at 7.15. Taking the dogs for a walk in morning darkness sounds challenging. Thank you for your helpful comments.