Essential Veg?

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Essential Veg?
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Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 04 9:47 pm Post subject:

Yes, I would add leeks to the list.

I've tried for a number of years to grow Welsh Onions but they always go to seed here (it is dry chalky soil, but I try and add as much organic matter as possible)

Jerusalem Artichokes grow almost wild at one end of the veg bed. We've used them for roasting, soups etc. They are a good back up as they stay in the ground during the winter.

We will plant the pumpkins in some half rotted compost up the end of the garden next year as they did very well this year and needed far less water.

And lastly a leaf beet or spinach. Any recommendations of a variety?

I think herbs could be another topic...

anneka

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 158

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 04 10:14 pm Post subject:
I would reccomend 'Ruby Chard' it grows really well and looks and tastes great although you are best to plant it later in the year so it does not tend to bolt. I have argued with other people who think that a white stemmed 'Swiss Chard' tastes better, I can't taste any difference - not with the butter and nutmeg anyway, and the vibrant colours are worth it on my book. Anneka

anneka

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 158

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 04 10:16 pm Post subject:
Oh! and Land Cress thats hardy and good too, more peppery taste than water cress. Anneka

cab

Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 9:35 am Post subject:
Ruby chard is fun, but I'd go for a variety called 'bright lights' which gives red, yellow, green, orange and pink plants! The reall deep red ones I find have a slighty beetrooty taste, but they don't vary that much in flavour.

Sarah D

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 2584

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 2:04 pm Post subject:
I grow Bright Lights every year; I use the leaves like spinach, and teh stalks look wonderful either just sauted or put into a quiche/flan. Great value - the plants produce for ages and the colours are stunning in the garden, especially over winter. Easy to grow too.

High Green Farm

Joined: 30 Nov 2004
Posts: 349
Location: Mid-Suffolk

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 3:45 pm Post subject:
Tried cauliflower and savoy cabbage this year, but probably won't again. Find it quite had to keep a mulititude of bugs from eating them.

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45669
Location: Essex

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 3:50 pm Post subject:
I have problems with my brassicas too, might try them under fleece next year

Jonnyboy

Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 23956
Location: under some rain.

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 3:54 pm Post subject:
Celery, can't make decent stock without it.

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45669
Location: Essex

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 3:57 pm Post subject:
I can't stand the stuff

Jonnyboy

Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 23956
Location: under some rain.

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 4:06 pm Post subject:
I'm not overly partial to chomping on it raw but it's an essential ingrediant for me.

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 4:06 pm Post subject:

Jonnyboy wrote:

Celery, can't make decent stock without it.

Do you really grow it?? I thought it was quite difficult?

I don't like it myself but OH is training me - with small bits of stilton and brie it's just about bearable. But it does seem to hide well in soups and stews, and give it a good taste.

Sarah D

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 2584

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 4:08 pm Post subject:
I grew some self-blanchin celery this year which was fairly successful; no-one else here likes it, so I ate it all while out in the garden, straight from the soil. Very good. Needs plenty of water to prevent it going woody, and a nice rich soil. Beats the shop-bought into a cocked hat.

sean
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 04 4:10 pm Post subject:
Peel it ( or a least peel the strings off) when you're cooking it. It takes no time flat, and works wonders. Unless you enjoy picking your teeth.

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 04 9:23 am Post subject:

Quote:

and a nice rich soil

Ah. Perhaps I'll put that on hold until we have a garden consisting of more than 6 inches of flint-ridden soil on a bed of solid chalk?!

jema
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28234
Location: escaped from Swindon

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 04 9:26 am Post subject:

Bugs wrote:

Quote:

and a nice rich soil

Ah. Perhaps I'll put that on hold until we have a garden consisting of more than 6 inches of flint-ridden soil on a bed of solid chalk?!

Know that feeling, soil here is total crap, had to buy a load in to create a small veggie patch.

jema

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