root veg advice needed please

[lindyloo]

how east is it to grow, swede, turnip and parsnip. i think i have been told that swede like to be in a feild, but could i grow about 8 plants in a row of raised bed, or should i try to grow them at edge of field , in quite heavy clay soil? also, parsnip, could they be grown in a deep tub, or are they like swede, and lke a feild? ditto turnip?

[Two_Sheds]

How does a swede now if it's in a field or in a garden? uzzled:

I have loose sandy soil and I can grow parsnips well, but not swede. They prefer a firmer soil. We don't like turnips so I don't grow them - but I have done, and they're fine on my plot

[solway cropper]

I have a fairly heavy clay soil which grows good swedes. Bear in mind they need quite a long time in the soil but will last over winter. Because my soil has quite a few stones and because i'm the only one in the house that likes them I grow parsnips in flower buckets in a mixture of compost, sand and fine soil. Contrary to what you might read on some posts they are easy to germinate and grow. Just don't sow them too early.

[SarzWix]

I always start my swedes off in biggish cell/module trays then plant them out when I get space later, they grow fine My soil is clay-ish, but not reeally sticky. I just firm them in well and they seem happy enough. Turnips prefer slightly better draining soil than swedes, but you can start them off in cell trays too if you like - it's a good way of preventing the slugs from chomping them the minute they germinate

Parsnips will do fine in deepish pots.

[Paulottie]

I sow direct and find flea beetle a problem with swedes (but then I have loads of derris dust!) you can paint card with glue to get them to jump on... then pigeons go for the tops ...so maybe follow Sarzwix's advice a sow in modules....sandy soil here and no real probs...but I do sow a bit later than this.

[lindyloo]

this all sounds promising, thank you all! two sheds- i think perhaps it must be that they need space? i dont really know- just what several farmers have said.

[Paulottie]

i think perhaps it must be that they need space? I dont really know- just what several farmers have said.

I seem to remember being told that when I first started and I had a disastrous attempt at swedes...maybe its just one of those rural myths...anyhow...I've improved cos I have had good success recently just added a bit of muck.

[SarzWix]

I don't start mine until May, after the main beans/sweetcorn/cucumber/pumpkin etc sowing is over with.