Grow your own Christmas Challenge 2020

[veggiechicken]

Yes, I did say 2020 and I know that 2019 isn't over yet!!
I've been reading an article about growing your own veg for your Christmas meal, with sowing times, and I thought I'd give it a go for next year.

I know some of you will have this all wrapped up anyway but maybe there are some who would like to try it for next year.

The aim is to grow spuds, carrots, red cabbage, parsnips, leeks, sprouts and winter salads and have them all ready for Dec 25th.
We'll expect piccies of them too.

I'll remind you of key dates, as they happen, so that you have no excuse for missing them.

Anyone up for the Challenge or am I the only nutty one?

[Small pumpkin]

I usually grow Christmas dinner every year. Including the bird. But not this year or next.
I’ve only got the sprouts, kale & cabbage for Christmas this year. Bird coming from a neighbour ( in exchange for having their chimney sweep).

[Small pumpkin]

You’re definitely not nuts VC.







This time

[veggiechicken]

You're excused, SP.
I've only got the leeks and maybe carrots (in a bucket) and winter salad - but since I don't have a "proper" Christmas meal it doesn't matter.
Just thought I'd challenge myself for next year!!

[Small pumpkin]

I’d love to join you on this one.
I’m hopefully going to be to busy.
I’ll Only have 2 raised beds going next year. Something might make it on to the Christmas dinner.

[veggiechicken]

The plan is to grow some of these in pots so that they can be moved under cover when the weather turns cold. Two raised beds should be ample!!

[veggiechicken]

This is the plan (sort of!)

March - April.
Sow leeks, red cabbage and sprouts in modules for planting out in May/June

April - May
Sow parsnips direct

July
Sow carrots in pots
Plant spuds in pots

August - September
Sow Oriental leaves under cover.
Sow Land cress, Lamb's lettuce and Claytonia outdoors.

Sounds simple.

[rary]

I'll remind you of key dates, as they happen, so that you have no excuse for missing them.

Anyone up for the Challenge or am I the only nutty one?

Answering the 2 questions first YES to both
As for the dates will your reminders be appropriate for all areas or just general

[rary]

I'll remind you of key dates, as they happen, so that you have no excuse for missing them.

I have now read your dates and I would say I should be able to relate to them

[burnie]

We have stuff set aside for a Crimbo dinner, not on the day as we are at my daughters for the meal, but for Boxing Day. Salad for the starter, carrots and parsnips, leek has been picked sliced and frozen, ditto some greens already picked, these latter ones were looking as if they wouldn't be at their best if left till next week. Hazelnuts for some stuffing(they were foraged over the back), I was too late with tatties, so none of my own this year, but intend to grow for next year.

[Can the Man]

I’ll give it a go, but we don’t have red cabbage no one likes it, but I mean get just grow it anyway

[veggiechicken]

Answering the 2 questions first YES to both
As for the dates will your reminders be appropriate for all areas or just general

The dates will be those in #7 but you'll need to decide for yourself on the best dates within that range for your area. You'll want me to buy your seeds for you next!!

[SarrissUK]

I'm definitely up for this!

[veggiechicken]

In case anyone is buying seeds soon, these are the recommended varieties (other seeds are available!)

Carrots
A quick-growing cultivar - Early Nantes 2, Sugarsnax 54, Purple Sun for finger carrots in December

Red cabbage
A late-autumn cultivar (not easy to find!) Granat, Langedijk Red Late 2, Lodero.

Parsnips
Buy fresh seed in spring. Gladiator, Javelin, Tender & True

Leeks
A cultivar for mid-winter cropping. Blauwgroene Winter, Bandit, Toledo.

Brussels Sprouts
Mid-season cultivar - Trafalgar, Brodie.

Potatoes
Buy cold-stored tubers in July. Charlotte, Maris Peer.

[rary]

The dates will be those in #7, but want me to buy your seeds for you

That is very generous of you, I will pm my address to you