welovemarmite Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 OK, so some months back I set up my little veg plot of raised beds and filled it with mushroom compost, homemade compost and organic compost.... In it i planted plug plants of sprouting brocolli and cauliflower. Both of which I was assured would be ok for winter. They are still there, just, but look a bit of a disaster.... Before I give up completely on my veg plot, any suggestions for failsafe veg to plant... I have to be careful as the wildlife do like to dig it all up.... I have tried carrots in the past and that was a complete disaster.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 Cauli isn't a beginners crop usually - they can bolt and take some attention. Potatoes are an easy crop, as are broad beans, onions/shallots from sets and courgettes when it gets warmer and you cannot go wrong with dawf or climbing french beans. Also some winter veg are funny - some really grow before the winter and then just remain static/do not grow over winter, so you need them to grow quite a bit before mid-November. Keep going it is so satisfying to grow your own (when it works!). Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welovemarmite Posted February 18, 2010 Author Share Posted February 18, 2010 I think i may go and get some seed potatoes for sacks this weekend. When would i need to think about the others (i have got a book somewhere to look it up but feeling lazy tonight) Thanks for the reassurance to about my winter veg.... will give it one more go before trying to talk hubbie into turning it into an extra chicken house!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I started with courgettes,radish & salads,then graduated to carrots,Beetroot,turnips,peas & Swede,all which do very nicely here. I can't grow anything vaguely cabbage like to save my life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 Take a trip to Buckingham Nurseries, they have seed potatoes in which you can buy jut 5 or 6 of for very little money and they have a fab seed collection Also check out moreveg on line they sell small amonts of seed so you can try a few things to see what works for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cockadoodle1 Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 Try www.vegetableseeds.net they are cheap for seeds and have a month by month sowing guide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 broccoli and such will look pretty ropey this time of year, it's been a particularly harsh winter! But they may yet surprise you when the weather warms up a bit It's still rather early to plant anything outside except possibly shallots. Give it a month or two and you'll find loads of inspiration here for what to sow, and while nothing is completely fail safe, lots are very easy. And even failures are usually welcomed by chickens who thoroughly enjoy any type of leafy greens (complete with holes and caterpillars) beans, peas, courgettes....... Hang on in there, all will become clear in the spring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 broccoli and such will look pretty ropey this time of year, it's been a particularly harsh winter! But they may yet surprise you when the weather warms up a bit It's still rather early to plant anything outside except possibly shallots. Give it a month or two and you'll find loads of inspiration here for what to sow, and while nothing is completely fail safe, lots are very easy. And even failures are usually welcomed by chickens who thoroughly enjoy any type of leafy greens (complete with holes and caterpillars) beans, peas, courgettes....... Hang on in there, all will become clear in the spring My chickens have been eating treats of brussell leaves & tops for the last couple of months. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 I started with courgettes,radish & salads,then graduated to carrots,Beetroot,turnips,peas & Swede,all which do very nicely here. I can't grow anything vaguely cabbage like to save my life Same here, yet my neighbours Brussels Sprouts are a sight to behold! Still, the hens have enjoyed my attempts to grow anything vaguely brassica - ish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbug Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 think the dig in site will be giving courgette seeds aways. 6 different packs from last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 We have decided some what reluctantly that winter veg is easier to buy. We have managed to grow sprouts, purple sprouting etc, but we only go to the allottment once a week at this time of year to get carrots, swede, leeks etc. The pigeons have destroyed my PSB this year. We had to take the enviomesh off in the autumn because we had loads of aphids under it. we didn't put it back and it can be a pain to harvest, when it means taking it off each time. We will still have the root crops, but sprouts will be bought next year. over wintering brassicas are a lot of work and can be a disappointment. I would stick to summer crops and maybe a few leeks, and root crops for the winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
