Kitchen Garden Forum

Although I am successful with most veg I have had no success with swedes .
Has any one any fail safe advice to get good results with swedes
advice welcome
Brenjon

I don't think there is a fail safe method. Some years they do well and some not.
The only advice I can offer is they do need 'field conditions' to grow well.
Open and airey. Here in the south I start mine off in cell trays in mid-late May. Plant out 9" -12" apart. keep well watered in dry spells. I cover with fleece to avoid the flea beetle and later the caterpillars.
I have found of all I have tried 'Ruby' from Marshalls gives fairly consistant good results. Not huge roots but about the size of a large grapefruit.
Stands well to.

Best of luck
Beryl.

Hi Beryl
I am sure you are right about (field conditions).When you see swedes grown by farmers they seem to get good results. Would you advise to manure the ground well?
Regards Brenjon

Yes, as long as it is well rotted. Mine gets a good covering in the autumn/winter.
I don't dig much these days, just a turn over when the crops come out.

Beryl.