Tips on growing swedes

[Flummery]

Hi all, it's years since I grew swedes and they weren't that successful when I did. The packets always say sow direct. Is there any mileage in sowing in modules? I wouldn't attempt to transplant but I wonder if they can be started in cells and then planted out? They are on my hit list of things to have in the garden in winter. I think some of my previous failure was due to lack of regular watering as they were at our old lottie, some distance away. Growing in the garden, I've got no excuse! All hints and tips (clean ones!) welcome.

[TEB]

I sowed into trays and lost all on transplanting, next lot sowed direct and now at the thinning stage Brora was the variety. Irregular watering can do for them or so I read

[Flummery]

Ta TEB, I knew someone would know! I gather early and thorough thinning helps if you sow direct.

[TEB]

woops better do mine tonight then, despite the RHS saying they are easy to grow I sense the opposite.

[witch-1]

Can I ask what feels like a really dumb question? How many swedes per plant? Is it just the one... or are they like potatoes and grow more below unseen?

Asking 'cos I wanna grow them and are short of space - was thinking B&Q bucket experiment coming on!

Jan
x

[TEB]

Its a single root- spacing is about 4 - 6" per plant - dont like acid soil wouldnt manure before hand -.

[pigletwillie]

Flum, swedes are easy if you follow a few basic rules.

Dont sow them too early, Early June into July is great and do plant them into good moisture retentive soil. Flea beetle love them so if you have a problem, cover with fleece once planted out.

I always sow mine in a 3" pot and than prick out into 2" pots. The plants are then planted into their permanent position when the roots fill the pot nicely. Water well and enjoy the fruits of your labour during the winter months.

I grow bora or marion.

[Flummery]

Thanks PW. I was going to try single seeds in modules - I've done ok with small turnips and kohl rabi like this. I 'll try your method (yours usually work!) and I only want about a dozen plants for the 2 of us - don't really want swede 4 times a week! I've got Best of All this year (hope it does what it says on the tin) - my earlier less-than-successful attempts were with Marion.

[Sebbster]

I sowed mine direct 2 weeks ago and almost all have germinated. I thinned yesterday for a while and will thin some more during the week. I think to a spacing of 8" as this will allow me to leave them in the ground as long as I like without space problems.

I dont like to mess with any roots by having to dislodge them, I always sow root veg direct.

As I spaced my broad bean rows too far apart, I sowed the swede in the middle and the position of my rows means they still get plenty of light.

I am growing Ruby Swede btw.

[Flummery]

I've got time to try direct and to do it in modules if I don't get much through. Thanks for the advice folks. As usual, people all have their own way - I have yet to develop mine with swedes - but I'm determined to crack it!

[Sebbster]

Good luck F, cant beat a nice Swede and Carrot mash with Sunday dinner

Let us know how you get on and what variety you grow.

[Stacey]

my swede is perhaps 2 -3in apart. if i leave it like that for now,will i be able to harvest smaller swedes? i DONT EAT ALOT OF SWEDE ANYWAY SO SMALLER ONES WOULD BE FINE FOR ME. aLSO IF THAT is okay and i pull up every other one would the swede left in then grow more?

[Sebbster]

Yes Stacey, but 2-3 inch is very close together, if you want sweet Swede's go for at least 4" and let them mature.