Swede - sow direct or in modules?

[SaraJH]

Hi all,

All of my brassicas were a disaster last year due to neglect on my side. The swede were spectacularly rubbish and only grew to the size of a new potato!

I sowed direct having read that they hate being transplanted but I'm wondering whether to try sowing in modules this year. Do you think that sowing in loo rolls and planting out the whole thing would work?

Thanks.

[Thelma Sanders]

I start mine, in May, in paper pots and plant pot n all when they're big enough. Seems to work for me

[Zelenina]

It might work, though most of the advice I've read is against transplanting them. But even if it does, I don't see how it will help them grow bigger. You don't seem to have had any problem with them germinating outdoors before, so you must've done that bit right. So why not do the same again but give them better care afterwards?

[SaraJH]

Thanks Thelma, do you think the loo rolls would be too thick? I might have to google how to make paper pots.

[SaraJH]

Thanks Zelenia, you are right, they all germinated so the lack of after care was definitely the contributing factor. I might experiment with both ways and see what does best

[Bigmallly]

I currently have a half tray with germinated Swede, these will be pricked out into modules before planting in the ground.

[Zelenina]

Thanks Zelenia, you are right, they all germinated so the lack of after care was definitely the contributing factor. I might experiment with both ways and see what does best

That's a good idea. It seems that people do break that rule and transplant them successfully, so it's definitely worth a try. It would be easier to space them correctly that way, and wouldn't involve murdering poor little seedling to thin them out

I have to admit my knowledge of growing swedes so far is only theoretical. I really want to grow them because I got to like them during my time in Ireland (where they call them turnips) and they aren't available in the shops here. But I'm not sure if they'll do well in my local climate.

[Bren In Pots]

Thanks Thelma, do you think the loo rolls would be too thick? I might have to google how to make paper pots.

Sara I sow most of my crops in newspaper pots it saves me having gaps in my beds. Have a look at this older post about making those pots.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1146251

[Thelma Sanders]

Thanks Thelma, do you think the loo rolls would be too thick? I might have to google how to make paper pots.

I don't like using loo rolls, as the cardboard seems to go mouldy, and if you don't plant all of the roll, and leave some of the top sticking out of the soil, they tend to dry out

I make them like this but use a polish aerosol can, so they are thinner but a bit deeper.

[SaraJH]

Fab, thanks Bren in Pots and Thelma!

[Scoot]

I always start mine in modules and have never had a problem.

[roitelet]

Started mine in modules last year and it's the first time I had some decent sweeds!

[no_akira]

I really want to grow them because I got to like them during my time in Ireland (where they call them turnips)

Zelenia

There is your answer for you...

Swedes like it cold and "damp" with a little bit of sun. Sounds like a perfect "overwintering" plants. There is a reason why Ireland is the emerald Isle... all that rain.

Also sounds like they might do best in "sunken" beds and mulched to keep high moisture levels around the roots...

[Bigmallly]

Just found an old thread Sara:

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ede_34180.html

[Small pumpkin]

I always sow swede in modules. Actually sow everything in modules apart from carrots and Spring onions.
Fingers crossed I've never had any problems.