So I am writing this from Wisconsin USA where it is so cold nothing grows. It is not yet as cold as it can be (it is still above freezing - just) so the grass is still green and there is only the odd heap of dirty leftover snow in the gutters. The wind was absolutely bitter when we walked the half mile to the shopping mall but I was warm enough wrapped in my down 'Puffer' coat. Unfortunately I was then too hot once inside the centrally heated mall!
I have left the plot in the capable hands of my son who will be able to help himself to some of the winter crops while dealing with any damage the weather might cause.
We picked the last of the turnips and a few Brussels sprouts for him when he visited to check on what needed doing. He also helped me demount and clean the canes from my runner bean frame so the canes could be stored inside the shed. Stored inside the canes will probably last a couple of years; outside they need replacing every year!
He has his own allotment at Somerford but he doesn't grow some of the traditional Christmas veg as most of his family don't like them. Fortunately for him my Brussels look as though they will give a good crop for Xmas and a few leeks and parsnips will be available. The leeks are still a bit small but they should fatten up in time for my return after Christmas. The parsnips on the other hand have to be seen to be believed! While the ones I sowed directly are quite normal, the double row which I started in modules and transplanted, look more like celeriac with thick roots. Under a normal crown is a large turnip shaped parsnip with a twisted mass of roots underneath! The taste is normal and some of the roots are thick enough to use.
The lesson is, if you want to start parsnips off indoors you need deep pots/modules and transplant very early before the roots get to the bottom!
I have left the plot in the capable hands of my son who will be able to help himself to some of the winter crops while dealing with any damage the weather might cause.
We picked the last of the turnips and a few Brussels sprouts for him when he visited to check on what needed doing. He also helped me demount and clean the canes from my runner bean frame so the canes could be stored inside the shed. Stored inside the canes will probably last a couple of years; outside they need replacing every year!
He has his own allotment at Somerford but he doesn't grow some of the traditional Christmas veg as most of his family don't like them. Fortunately for him my Brussels look as though they will give a good crop for Xmas and a few leeks and parsnips will be available. The leeks are still a bit small but they should fatten up in time for my return after Christmas. The parsnips on the other hand have to be seen to be believed! While the ones I sowed directly are quite normal, the double row which I started in modules and transplanted, look more like celeriac with thick roots. Under a normal crown is a large turnip shaped parsnip with a twisted mass of roots underneath! The taste is normal and some of the roots are thick enough to use.
The lesson is, if you want to start parsnips off indoors you need deep pots/modules and transplant very early before the roots get to the bottom!
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