Kitchen Garden Forum

We were very intrigued by last week's episode in which Ruth Goodman talked about the veg plot. Seems the Tudors didn't weed but let them grow so that they had something else to fill the gaps, Fathen, etc. Not sure that many of these would be to our modern taste but maybe it will set a future trend. Not weeding appeals to me. What weeds would you suggest?

Also I think this is an excellent series, probably the best one that they have done.

Hi Colin,

I'm recording this one and will sit down and have a bit of a Tudor farm fest after Christmas!
I've eaten fat hen tops, very like spinach as it collapses when cooked. And wild sorrel which has a strong lemon flavour, don't need much of that! Don't think I've tried any other 'weeds'. Beware Hemlock which looks like a flat leaf parsley...

MW

I sometimes let the chickweed grow under larger veg. It is supposed to be tasty in salads (has an astringent effect) but the hens like a handful or two for their afternoon treat, so it is quite handy.

I've only seen two of these programmes, but have found them really interesting. With one or two things obviously staged for the telly.

I let the chickweed and fat hen and dandelions grow - for my hens and budgies.

Our hens really love chickweed - probably their favourite 'greens' after lettuce.
Sometimes wonder if I should have a small bed of it under permanent cultivation - it grows quick enough.
I can see where it got its name from.
John