Salads in a North facing conservatory

[Mr Potato Head]

Sounds a bit like a botched design job, but actually it's a half-timber / half-glass entrance porchway - about the size of a small shed. It's pretty light, but is on the north side of the house.

I've used it successfully for propagating some seedlings (squashes & honeysuckle & rosemary) but am thinking about using the space to grow some salad - of the cut & come again variety.

Would ideally like to grow rocket & gem-type lettuces any suggestions & tips?

Leigh

[John]

Hello Mr Potato Head
Have you thought of trying some of the oriental greens? Mizuna is a great winter salad crop. It germinates easily and grows fast during the cooler parts of the year. Its crisp, dandelion-like leaves have a slight mustard flavour and it goes well in salads, preferable to the rather bland lettuce you get at this time of wear. You can usually get 3 -4 cuts from it. Mibuna is similar but has simple narrow simple leaves.

John

[Mr Potato Head]

Good idea, but i've not always been a big fan - I find it a bit on the papery side. Having said that, i've never grown any myself, so perhaps the real thing will taste better!

What's the best time to sow?

[Chez]

Hello Mr Potato Head

If the light is sufficient, how about mixed lettuce leaves, Pak Choi or spinach? We have grown all of these very successfully in growbags in a greenhouse (admittedley not north facing though).

[Mr Potato Head]

Sounds like a good idea... the light is reasonable, so it can't hurt to experiment a little I suppose!

[John]

Hello again Mr P H
I'd try some Mizuna now. The seed is cheap and germination is very good and only takes a few days usually. You will only need to sow a few seeds. The plants, even young ones, don't seem to mind the cold . I grow it in an unheated frame with individual plants spaced about 9-12in apart. Summer sowings will run to seed quickly but winter ones give good cropping.

John